Australia have suffered a setback as promising all-rounder Cooper Connolly will miss the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan due to a fractured hand. Cricket Australia announced the news on Monday following Connolly’s injury during the third one-day international in Perth, where Australia lost to Pakistan by eight wickets, conceding a 2-1 series win to the visitors.

Cricket Australia announces Cooper Connolly’s replacement

Connolly, 21, playing just his second ODI, was struck on the left hand by a Mohammad Hasnain delivery, forcing him to retire hurt. Scans later revealed a fracture in the fourth metacarpal of his left hand.

In response, Cricket Australia named Josh Philippe as Connolly’s replacement for the T20 series, which begins Thursday in Brisbane. Additional matches are set to take place in Sydney and Hobart.

Also READ: 3 key reasons behind Australia’s ODI series defeat against Pakistan

The Australian cricket board has emphasized preparing key players for their upcoming Test series against India, opting to rest most of the squad for the limited-overs matches. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis is the only player in the Test squad scheduled to participate in the T20I series.

Revised T20I squad for Australia against Pakistan

Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa, Josh Philippe

Also READ: Instances when Pakistan won ODI series in Australia

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