Australia names Connolly's replacement for T20I series against Pakistan

Connolly’s was injured after being struck on the hand by a delivery bowled by Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain

Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Philippe has been included in the Australian squad for the upcoming three-match T20I series against Pakistan.

According to Cricket Australia, Philippe was added to the squad following an injury to Cooper Connolly, who suffered a fractured left hand during the final ODI against Pakistan in Perth.

Connolly’s injury occurred when he was struck on the hand by a delivery from Pakistan pacer Mohammad Hasnain, forcing the young batter to retire hurt in the recently concluded third ODI.

An official statement from Cricket Australia confirmed that Connolly sustained a fracture to his fourth metacarpal. He will consult with a specialist on Monday to determine his recovery plan.

Philippe, who is set to join the squad in Brisbane after competing in a One Day Cup match, remains part of the T20 squad as Australia prepares for the series against Pakistan. The first T20I is scheduled for November 14 in Brisbane.

Australia T20 squad: Josh Inglis (c), Sean Abbott, Xavier Bartlett, Josh Philippe, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Spencer Johnson, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Short, Marcus Stoinis, Adam Zampa

Pakistan T20 squad: Muhammad Rizwan (c), Abbas Afridi, Agha Salman, Arafat Minhas, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah Khan, Irfan Khan, Jahandad Khan, Naseem Shah, Omair Yousuf, Sahibzada Farhan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Usman Khan.