Jackson Barrett: A Test debut for Cooper Connolly should be the answer if Australia want to bolster batting

Australia have a decision to make before Thursday’s second Test against Sri Lanka. If a spinning wicket is going to put this match in fast-forward, do they need something to safeguard them from being run over the top of? Their victory by an innings and 242 runs in last week’s opening Test was as comprehensive as they come against a normally plucky team in a difficult part of the world to play. But they have their guard up for what might happen next after they won the first match convincingly and had the script flipped on them the last time they played in the island nation three years ago. The wicket in Galle — not the same one used last week — is tipped to be significantly drier because the thunderstorms that plagued the first match have now made way for clearer skies. The first match finished within four days, with one of them almost completely wiped out by rain. This one is going to be supercharged. Andrew McDonald has confirmed his batting line-up is locked and loaded, but they are almost certain to consider using Connolly to lengthen their order. That would likely mean batting at No.8 and coming in for Todd Murphy, who bowled well last week but was only used for 16 overs. Are their resources best allocated to a fourth frontline bowler, or some extra batting? Connolly — the leading run-scorer this Big Bash League season — is the right man to boost the batting. He has played just four first-class matches. One a debut in a Sheffield Shield final and another for Australia A. But it’s all eerily similar to the way Steve Smith — now our fourth leading run-scorer — entered the side. At No.8 and picked largely for his spin bowling. Smith has been a vocal advocate of Connolly’s because he likes players that can spin the ball away from the right-hander. They tend to be reliable, bowl with good control and are easy to set a field to. Australia need to be prepared for this match to not all go their way and Connolly would be the perfect man to help that.