Australian spinner Cooper Connolly created history with a stunning five-wicket haul against South Africa at the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on Sunday, August 24, 2025. The 22-year-old became the first Australian spinner to claim a five-wicket haul in ODIs, finishing with match-winning figures of 5/22 from six overs.
The Mitchell Marsh-led side defended a massive target of 432 runs, and Connolly’s remarkable spell proved decisive in dismantling South Africa’s middle order. His figures are now the best-ever by an Australian spinner on home soil, surpassing legends like Brad Hogg (5/32), Shane Warne (5/33), and Adam Zampa (5/35).
Connolly’s Breakthrough Spell
Connolly’s first strike came in the 14th over, when Tony de Zorzi fell for 33, caught by Alex Carey. His second wicket was Dewald Brevis, who had scored a quickfire 49 from 28 balls, including two fours and five sixes, before Cameron Green completed the catch.
The young spinner continued his impact in the 20th over, when Wiaan Mulder (5) edged to Marnus Labuschagne. Just an over later, Corbin Bosch (17) became his fourth victim, again caught by Labuschagne. Connolly sealed history in the 24th over, when Josh Inglis stumped Keshav Maharaj, completing his maiden five-wicket haul in ODI cricket.
Record-Breaking Achievement
Connolly’s figures of 5/22 are now ranked among the best ODI bowling performances by Australians against South Africa, joining the elite company of Andy Bichel (5/19), Brett Lee (5/22), Josh Hazlewood (5/31), and Nathan Bracken (5/67).
His spell also ranks as the 10th-best bowling performance by an Australian bowler on home soil, putting him alongside greats like Mitchell Starc, Greg Chappell, and Carl Rackemann.
Significance for Australian Spin Bowling
Traditionally, Australian conditions have favored pace bowlers, but Connolly’s success highlights the growing impact of spinners in limited-overs cricket. His performance not only broke long-standing records but also reaffirmed the evolving role of spin bowling in Australia.
By surpassing the likes of Warne, Hogg, and Zampa in terms of figures, Connolly now stands as a benchmark for future Australian spinners. Internationally, he also joins spinners like Yuzvendra Chahal, Ryan Burl, and Ravi Shastri, who have achieved five-wicket hauls on Australian soil.
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