When Cooper Connolly, the 22‑year‑old left‑arm orthodox spinner for Cricket Australia, ripped through South Africa’s batting at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, Queensland, he set a new benchmark as the youngest Australian spinner to claim an ODI five‑wicket haul.
The match unfolded on Sunday, 24 August 2025, precisely at 11:15 AM UTC. In front of a packed crowd, Connolly delivered figures of 5 for 22 off six overs, shattering a 38‑year‑old record previously held by Craig McDermott.
The three‑match series had already seen the South African side lead 2‑0, but Australia’s decision to bat first in the final game – a first in 22 consecutive ODI tosses under captain Mitchell Marsh – changed the tempo.
Australia piled up a mammoth 431/2, their second‑highest ODI total ever. Travis Head smashed 142 runs, while Cameron Green rattled 118* off just 47 balls for his maiden ODI century. Opener Josh Inglis added an unbeaten 50, and captain Marsh contributed a tidy 100.
South Africa, representing South Africa, were bowled out for a paltry 155. Only Dewald Brevis managed to get past 40, finishing on 49. Connolly’s spell broke the innings apart, especially after the lights came on and the pitch began to turn.
Why Connolly's feat matters
Before this day, the youngest Australian to claim a five‑for in ODIs was Michael Clarke, who was 22 years and 326 days old in 2004. Connolly, at 22 years and 2 days, not only eclipsed Clarke but also became the youngest Australian spinner ever to register a five‑wicket haul. His 5/22 also tops the list of best ODI figures by an Australian spinner, bettering Brad Hogg’s 5/32 from 2004.
What makes the achievement even more striking is Connolly’s relative inexperience. He had logged only ten List A matches and taken four wickets before the Mackay showdown, and his best professional figures were 3/25. Yet on a night when the conditions favored the bowlers, his left‑arm orthodox spin spun a web around the South African middle order.
The record‑breaking spell
The three wickets in the first over set the tone. Connolly dismissed the aggressive opener Quinton de Kock for a duck, followed by the middle‑order pair Kagiso Rabada and David Miller. The final wicket came in the fifth over when he trapped Aiden Markram lbw, leaving South Africa 42/4.
Throughout the spell, Connolly’s economy hovered at 3.66, and his variations – a flighted top‑spinner and a quicker arm‑ball – proved too much for a side used to facing pace. “The bounce under the lights helped the turn,” Marsh observed after the match. “Cooper just kept the pressure on, and the wickets fell naturally.”
Voices from the dressing room
Australia’s coach Andrew McDonald lauded the youngster: “We’ve been looking for a spinner who can make an impact in the short format. Cooper’s performance shows he’s ready for the big stage.”
South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma admitted the team was flat‑caught off the turn: “The pitch changed after dark, and we didn’t adapt quickly enough. Credit to Cooper – he seized the moment.”
The Player of the Match award went to Travis Head for his 142, while Keshav Maharaj was named Player of the Series for his consistency with the ball across the first two games.
What this means for Australian spin
Australia has traditionally leaned on a pace‑heavy attack in limited‑overs cricket. Connolly’s breakout could signal a shift, giving selectors a bowler who can both contain runs and take wickets in the middle overs. Cricket Australia’s CEO Nick Hockley hinted at a possible revamp: “We’ll be reviewing the spin pipeline. Performances like today accelerate the conversation around a more balanced attack.”
Analyst Simon Kidd noted, “The numbers are compelling – a strike rate of 12.5 and an economy under four in a high‑scoring game puts Connolly in a rare category. He could become the go‑to spinner for Australia in the 2027 World Cup.”
Looking ahead
Australia will now turn its focus to the upcoming T20 World Cup qualifiers, where Connolly’s variations could be a vital weapon. Meanwhile, South Africa will regroup ahead of its tour of England later this year, hoping to tighten up against spin.
For the fans in Mackay, the night will be remembered as the one where a relatively unknown spinner turned the tide, etching his name alongside the greats of Australian cricket.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Connolly's record impact Australia's ODI strategy?
The achievement gives selectors a proven wicket‑taking spinner for the middle overs, encouraging a more balanced attack that isn’t solely pace‑focused. Upcoming series will likely see Connolly featured in the playing XI.
What were the key factors behind South Africa's collapse?
A combination of the turning pitch under lights, disciplined Australian bowling, and missed opportunities to rotate the strike led to a 276‑run defeat, their worst by runs in ODI history.
Who were the standout performers besides Connolly?
Travis Head’s 142 and Mitchell Marsh’s 100 anchored the massive total, while Cameron Green’s 118* off 47 balls provided explosive momentum. Keshav Maharaj earned Player of the Series for South Africa.
When and where did the record‑breaking spell occur?
The spell happened on 24 August 2025 at 11:15 AM UTC during the third ODI at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, Queensland.
What does this mean for the future of Australian spin bowling?
Connolly’s breakthrough could inspire a new generation of spin talent and push Cricket Australia to invest more in developing left‑arm orthodox bowlers for limited‑overs cricket.