Young Cooper Connolly's debut in the ICC Champions Trophy turned into a rough experience as India’s Mohammed Shami put him through the wringer with the new ball, ultimately sending him back to the dugout during the semi-final at Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. Connolly, who stepped in for the injured Matthew Short, found himself in a tough spot right away in this crucial match against India.

After captain Steve Smith chose to bat first, Connolly opened alongside the in-form Travis Head. The strategy was to capitalize on the fielding restrictions early on. The Australian team understood the need for a fast start on the Dubai pitch, which tends to slow down as the game goes on. However, Shami and Hardik Pandya, India’s new-ball bowlers, had other plans.

Shami, in particular, made Connolly’s life difficult. The experienced pacer managed to beat the left-handed opener on seven straight deliveries (including a wide) before finally getting his edge on the last ball of the third over.

Connolly defended the first couple of balls he faced from Shami but then struggled to make contact for the next eight. Shami kept a tight line from around the wicket, testing both edges of the left-hander, who seemed to have a hard time reading the pitch's pace.

After seven consecutive deliveries without a hit, Shami bowled one a bit fuller, tempting Connolly into an ambitious square drive. He went for it but only managed a faint edge to keeper KL Rahul, who made a great low catch. The Indians appealed loudly, but umpire Richard Illingworth initially shook his head. Rohit Sharma quickly opted for a review, and replays showed a clear deflection as the ball passed Connolly's bat and landed safely in Rahul's gloves.

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