Spin depth forms a key part of Australia’s T20 World Cup blueprint, particularly with conditions expected to favour slower bowlers. Alongside Adam Zampa and Glenn Maxwell, left-arm options Matt Kuhnemann and Cooper Connolly provide variation and tactical flexibility. Connolly, in particular, offers balance as a spin-bowling all-rounder despite limited international returns so far.
“It’s a nice skill set [left-arm spin] over there, and [there’s] some flexibility of where he can bat. So if you do want to throw that into the mix as a secondary spin option, [he] spins the ball the other way, if you’re going to be using your offspin options,” he explained.
Bailey also highlighted the potential for both Connolly and Kuhnemann to operate inside the powerplay, an option Australia have rarely leaned on in the past.
“[That] is something that we haven’t traditionally done a lot of,” Bailey said.
“I think both those guys have got that skillset, so that allows you to create some space elsewhere to be able to line up certain bowlers and continue to keep Zamps (Zampa) in his space.”