Web desk: 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, with Steve Smith replacing Pat Cummins as the stand-in captain.
Cummins, the usual captain, will be absent from the series as he takes paternity leave and continues to manage an ankle injury he sustained earlier in the season.
Cricket Australia has confirmed the development, also noting the absence of Josh Hazlewood, who remains sidelined with an injury that ruled him out of the latter stages of the India series.
All-rounder Mitchell Marsh has also been omitted from the squad.
Chief selector George Bailey emphasised the significance of adaptability in subcontinent conditions.
“Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour, given the different conditions players may be presented with,” Bailey said.
“This squad provides several ways to structure the XI depending on the type of wickets we encounter. It’s an excellent opportunity for the younger members of our squad to grow their skills in subcontinent conditions, which will be crucial for upcoming tours in the region,” he added.
Australia’s Squad for Sri Lanka Tests:
Steve Smith (C), Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Alex Carey (WK), Josh Inglis, Nathan McSweeney, Beau Webster, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Cooper Connolly, Todd Murphy, Matt Kuhnemann, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland.
Test Match Schedule: Sri Lanka vs Australia
1st Test
Dates: January 29 (Wednesday) – February 2 (Sunday)Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
2nd Test
