Cooper Connolly, 22, has etched his name in Australian cricket history with a record-breaking spell in the third ODI against South Africa at Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay on August 24, 2025. The left-arm spinner claimed 5 for 22 in six overs, the best-ever figures by an Australian spinner on home soil in ODIs. Connolly began his spell in the 14th over, removing Tony de Zorzi for 33, caught by Alex Carey. He struck again to dismiss Dewald Brevis, who smashed 49 off 28 balls before Cameron Green held the catch. Wiaan Mulder became his third victim, departing for 5 runs, as Marnus Labuschagne took a sharp catch in the 20th over. Corbin Bosch (17 off 15) fell next, with Labuschagne grabbing another catch. The fifth wicket came when Josh Inglis stumped Keshav Maharaj on the fifth delivery of the 24th over, sealing Connolly’s maiden ODI five-wicket haul. Read also: Pakistan not bending to India for bilaterals, clears Naqvi Record-breaking numbers and elite company Connolly’s figures of 5/22 now rank among Australia’s top ODI bowling spells against South Africa, placing him alongside icons such as Andy Bichel (5/19), Brett Lee (5/22), Josh Hazlewood (5/31), and Nathan Bracken (5/67). This effort is also the 10th-best ODI bowling return by any Australian on home soil. For spinners, Connolly’s feat eclipses past benchmarks set by Brad Hogg (5/32), Shane Warne (5/33), and Adam Zampa (5/35), making it the best spin performance in Australia’s ODI history. He joins an exclusive list of bowlers with five-wicket hauls in Australia that includes Yuzvendra Chahal, Ryan Burl, and Ravi Shastri. Top ODI bowling by Australians (fifers) Bowler Figures Opponent Venue Andy Bichel 5/19 South Africa Port Elizabeth Brett Lee 5/22 South Africa Sydney Cooper Connolly 5/22 South Africa Mackay Josh Hazlewood 5/31 South Africa Perth Nathan Bracken 5/67 South Africa Melbourne Brad Hogg 5/32 India Brisbane The match saw South Africa chasing a daunting 432-run target, but Connolly’s spell was decisive, halting momentum and steering Australia’s dominance. His historic five-for underscores the growing influence of spin in conditions traditionally suited to pace.