He’s the overnight cricket sensation who famously single-handedly won the Scorchers a Big Bash title off his own bat — and now he can add columnist to his resume too.

Perth young gun Cooper Connolly has joined The West Australian for the upcoming BBL season, with the 21-year-old set to give fans an insight into his squad’s inner sanctum, while sharing his unique opinion on the league and the wider world of cricket.

The all-rounder — who is regarded as one of Perth’s most popular and beloved athletes — said he was looking forward to his new role and the opportunity to further connect with fans.

“Summer has arrived, which means the KFC Big Bash is right around the corner and this year I’ll be taking you inside the Scorchers’ camp as we target our sixth title,” he said.

“Grab your copy of The West Australian to read my exclusive columns every week ... go Scorchers!”

The West Australian sports editor Jakeb Waddell said Connolly’s columns would be an exciting addition to the newspaper’s unrivalled cricket coverage.

“This is a ‘coop’ if I’ve ever seen one,” he said.

“We’ve seen what this emerging talent is capable of on the pitch and I am looking forward to the interesting insight he will bring Scorchers and cricket fans.

“It is also a fantastic opportunity for a future star to gain media exposure and experience at such a young age — something I am all for and hope we will continue to see more of in an industry that so often tries to safeguard their biggest talents from the spotlight.”

Connolly, who will write every Friday starting from December 13, is hoping to overcome injury and be ready ahead of the Scorchers opening game at Optus Stadium on December 15 — that also marks the first match of the BBL season — having broken a finger in Australia’s One Day International loss to Pakistan in Perth earlier this month.

He became a household name in the State and around the nation after scoring 25 runs off 11 balls to win the 2022/23 BBL final against Brisbane Heat after his side were staring down the barrel of defeat.

But far more than a one-hit wonder, Connolly went on to open the batting for Perth last season, having since made his international T20 and ODI debut for Australia, as well as his first-class and ListA debuts for WA.

Connolly joins a long list of cricket talents writing for The West Australian over the summer, including legends Justin Langer and Mitchell Johnson, expert Georgie Parker and journalists such as Glen Quartermain, Jackson Barrett, Samantha Rogers and Mitchell Woodcock.