The National Selection Panel (NSP) has finalised the playing squad to visit the MRF Academy in Chennai, India during August, with WA pair Cooper Connolly and Corey Rocchiccioli among the eight players chosen.
Connolly, Rocchiccioli to visit Chennai's MRF Academy
The eight-player squad will be coached by current WA Men's assistant coach Beau Casson, a former left-arm orthodox spinner himself who played one test for Australia in 2008. He will be supported by former Sri Lankan allrounder Thilan Samaraweera.
Selection in the squad is great reward for Connolly, who had a breakout season last summer, including making his KFC Big Bash League debut for the Perth Scorchers, and representing WA in the Toyota Second XI Competition.
The 19-year-old played a crucial role for the Scorchers as they secured back-to-back titles in BBL|12, striking 25 not out off just 11 balls, combining well with unheralded left-hander Nick Hobson to get the home side over the line with four balls to spare in front of a packed crowd at Optus Stadium.
Connolly was also able to translate his talents into red-ball cricket, finishing with 289 runs from five innings in Second XI Cricket for WA. The highly touted allrounder was also given the role of captain during the tournament.
Off-spinner Rocchiccioli had a wonderful summer for WA, becoming a regular in WA's Sheffield Shield side, with fellow spinner Ashton Agar often away on international duty.
After making his first-class debut for WA in September 2021, Rocchiccioli has become WA's primary spin option, and a critical part of WA's successful bowling attack.
Even with just 14 first-class matches under his belt, he is already a two-time Shield winner and is rated highly among state and national coaches.
He finished the Shield season with 25 wickets at 32.20, including an eight-wicket match against New South Wales on a turning pitch at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
The tour will expose players to the unique conditions of the sub-continent, where the schedule combines match play with intense training opportunities.
The players chosen include a mix of rising batters from across the Australian First-Class scene, including Queensland's Nathan McSweeney and Tasmanian opener Tim Ward.
The players to attend from August 7-18 are:
Joel Davies (NSW – Manly Warringah District Cricket Club)
Tim Ward (TAS – University of Tasmania Cricket Club)
Will Sutherland (VIC – Prahran Cricket Club)
Campbell Kellaway (VIC – Melbourne Cricket Club)
Nathan McSweeney (SA – Glenelg Cricket Club)
Sam Harper (VIC – Melbourne Cricket Club)
Cooper Connolly (WA – Scarborough Cricket Club)
Corey Rocchiccioli (WA – University Cricket Club)
The eight players will integrate with local players in training and match opportunities, including a T20, one-day and two-day match within the camp block.
Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann were both part of the touring academy squad in 2022, before going on to make their Test debuts in India earlier this year.
Player and coaching exchanges between the MRF Pace Foundation and Cricket Australia have been in place for almost 20 years, with current Test players Marnus Labuschagne and Alex Carey some of those to have previously toured.
Sonya Thompson, Cricket Australia Head of National Development, said:
“We’re delighted to continue the partnership with the MRF Academy and offer some of our best young players the opportunity to be exposed to such a unique experience.
"Training tours such as this are vital to help ensure players continually develop their skills and are fully prepared for whatever conditions they might face throughout their careers."