India, March 4 -- Young Cooper Connolly's ICC Champions Trophy debut turned into a nightmare as India pacer Mohammed Shami gave him a torrid time with the new ball before sending him back to the pavilion in the semi-final match at the Dubai International Stadium on Tuesday. Connolly, who was drafted into the Australian Champions Trophy squad as a replacement for injured opener Matthew Short, straightaway found himself in the host seat in the big semi-final against India.

After captain Steve Smith opted to bat, he walked out to open the batting with the high-flying Travis Head. The plan was to take as much advantage of the fielding restrictions as possible. The Australian batting unit knew the importance of getting off to a quick start on...