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NEW DELHI: Punjab Kings’ newest signing, Australian all-rounder Cooper Connolly, has underlined his versatility and said he is comfortable batting at any position the franchise feels suits the team in his maiden IPL season next year.

The 22-year-old, known for his attacking batting, athletic fielding and useful left-arm spin, was picked up by Punjab Kings for Rs 3 crore at the mini-auction earlier this month.

“I like to model my game on being able to be versatile in any position. So whether that's at three, whether that's in the middle, I'm happy to perform any role,” Connolly said during a virtual media interaction on Monday.

Flexibility over fixed roles

Connolly is currently enjoying a strong run for Perth Scorchers in the ongoing Big Bash League, having smashed two rapid half-centuries while batting at number three.

Despite that success, Punjab Kings have shown particular interest in his ability to finish games and handle pressure situations, a point highlighted by skipper Shreyas Iyer after the auction.

“I feel like I'm still learning the role at number three for the (Perth) Scorchers. It's a role I enjoy. But if the role in the IPL is different, that's totally understandable because it's a world class team.

“To just be in the middle order would be sort of a nice opportunity just to sort of knuckle down and get to work in the middle order,” he added.

Rapid rise in Australian cricket

Connolly has swiftly emerged as one of the brightest young prospects in Australian cricket. He made his T20I and ODI debuts in September last year before earning his Baggy Green in January.

The Western Australian also caught the eye during the ODI series against India, playing a composed, match-winning innings under pressure.

Looking back at his sharp rise over the past three years, Connolly said adjusting to the demands of international cricket has been key.

“I think over the last three years, it's been about understanding how different the international level is. It's about adjusting to that, understanding how bowlers are trying to get me out more and how I can counter that.”

“I've had to earn the right to be in the Australian set-up. So it's about learning from guys like Travis Head, Steve Smith, how they go about it and how they sort of train to all those standards.”

“I'm just trying to tweak my game slowly and add more strings to it as I move forward.”

Excitement over Ponting and the IPL challenge

Connolly also expressed his eagerness to work with Australia’s World Cup-winning captain Ricky Ponting, who is the head coach of Punjab Kings.

“I've heard a lot of good things about him. I haven't done a lot of work with him just yet. So, I'm looking forward to spending some time with him and sort of doing some tweaks to my batting and seeing what his thoughts are on it.”

He added that the opportunity to test himself against elite bowling attacks was a major draw of the IPL.

“Everyone goes to this tournament (IPL) because it's probably going to be the most competitive. And also looking forward to getting over there and challenging myself against some of the best bowlers in the world.”

Adapting to Indian conditions

Fully aware that conditions in India will be very different from Australia’s fast and bouncy pitches, Connolly said playing spin would be a significant challenge.

“Yeah, it's very different to Australia. We've obviously got some fast, bouncy wickets. But that challenge of playing spin is a challenge that is tough for everyone.

“So, it's just about picking the brains of people that have done it for a long period of time and understanding how they go about it, I guess, add their method into my game and see how I can sort of play in those spinning conditions.”

(With PTI Inputs)