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A new chapter in Australian cricket history was written on Sunday as young left-arm spinner Cooper Connolly, at just 22 years and 2 days, became the youngest Australian to claim a five-wicket haul in One-Day Internationals (ODIs). His stunning spell of 5/22 against South Africa at Mackay’s Great Barrier Reef Arena showcased remarkable control, maturity and composure well beyond his age.
Australia’s youngest ODI five-wicket haul heroes
1) Cooper Connolly
In a dazzling display, Connolly ripped through the Proteas’ batting order with a match-winning performance that underlined his smooth transition to the international stage. Having already impressed at youth level and in the Big Bash League (BBL), the youngster’s brilliance not only secured victory for Australia but also etched his name alongside some of the country’s finest bowlers.
2) Craig McDermott
Before Connolly’s heroics, the record had stood since 1987, when fiery pacer Craig McDermott, aged 22 years and 204 days, tore through Pakistan with figures of 5/44 in Lahore. That spell marked the arrival of one of Australia’s frontline pacemen through the late 80s and early 90s, remembered for his raw pace and aggression.
Also READ: Top 5 best bowling figures by Australian spinners in ODIs ft. Cooper Connolly
3) Mitchell Starc
The next addition to this exclusive club came in 2012, when left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, aged 22 years and 211 days, dismantled Pakistan in Sharjah with 5/42. That defining spell foreshadowed his rise as one of the greatest white-ball bowlers of his era, later instrumental in Australia’s 2015 World Cup triumph.
A new benchmark for Australia in 50-overs cricket
Connolly’s achievement is particularly significant as he surpassed the early milestones of two Australian legends. By becoming the youngest ever to achieve this feat, he has set a fresh benchmark for the nation’s white-ball bowling stocks. His performance also highlights the evolving balance in Australian cricket, proving that spin can be just as destructive as pace in ODIs.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest ODI centuries by Australian batters ft. Cameron Green in 47 balls
