Video: Cooper Connolly’s bow & arrow send-off to Brevis goes viral
The third One-Day International (ODI) between Australia and South Africa at Mackay recently witnessed a thrilling encounter, with the Australian bowler Cooper Connolly’s unconventional celebration stealing the show. The 20-year-old cricketer’s bow-and-arrow send-off to South Africa’s Dewald Brevis after dismissing him for 49 has gone viral on social media, captivating cricket fans worldwide.
The incident unfolded when Connolly got Brevis out, leaving South Africa struggling at 215-7 in pursuit of Australia’s 276-run target. As Brevis walked off the field, Connolly mimed shooting a bow and arrow, complete with a mock quiver on his back and a dramatic arm movement. The crowd at the Mackay Cricket Ground was initially taken aback by the unusual celebration, but soon erupted in cheers and applause.
The video of the celebration quickly spread like wildfire on social media, with fans and cricket enthusiasts alike marveling at Connolly’s creativity and showmanship. Many praised the young bowler for injecting some much-needed entertainment into the game, while others joked about the “Hunger Games” inspiration behind his celebration.
“It was just a bit of fun,” Connolly said in an interview after the match. “I’ve always been a bit of a jokester on the field, and I saw an opportunity to have a bit of fun with Dewald Brevis. I’m glad it’s gone viral – it’s been a great way to relax and enjoy the moment.”
The Australian team, too, enjoyed the lighthearted moment, with captain Aaron Finch describing Connolly’s celebration as “a great way to release some tension” during the match. “It was a great way to have a bit of fun and bring some energy to the game,” Finch added.
While Connolly’s celebration undoubtedly stole the show, the Australian team’s dominant performance on the field should not be overlooked. They won the match by 276 runs, thanks to impressive batting performances from Aaron Finch, David Warner, and Travis Head.
The victory marked Australia’s second win in the three-match ODI series, with the final match ending in a tie. The series win, coupled with the One-Day International Championship title earlier this year, has further boosted the team’s confidence ahead of the ICC World Cup later this year.
As for Connolly, his innovative celebration has not only earned him praise from fans and teammates but also some serious attention from cricket enthusiasts and social media influencers. The young bowler has quickly become the talk of the town, with many calling him the next big thing in Australian cricket.
In an era where cricket is often criticized for being too serious and lacking in entertainment value, Cooper Connolly’s bow-and-arrow celebration has shown that there is still room for creativity and showmanship in the game. As the world waits with bated breath to see what other innovative celebrations Connolly has in store, one thing is certain – he has already won over the hearts of cricket fans worldwide.
