Nathan McSweeney and Cooper Connolly have been selected for Australia’s Test series against Sri Lanka, with Mitch Marsh omitted. Steve Smith will lead the team, while Pat Cummins remains in Australia for the birth of his child. The squad, unveiled by selectors on Thursday, includes Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann as additional spin options alongside Nathan Lyon.
Josh Hazlewood will be absent as he continues his recovery from a calf injury, and Glenn Maxwell has been left out, possibly ending his Test career. Peter Handscomb, despite a strong record against spin, will also not be joining the squad, with Josh Inglis included as a backup batsman.
Chief selector George Bailey expressed anticipation for the challenges and opportunities presented by the Sri Lankan tour, noting that the squad composition allows for flexibility in response to varying pitch conditions. The first Test is scheduled to begin on January 29 in Galle.
Australia, already qualified for the World Test Championship final against South Africa, aims to retain the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy in the upcoming two-Test series. Selectors have several lineup options, with possibilities for reshuffling the top order, particularly given Travis Head’s previous performance on subcontinent tours. Meanwhile, Connolly’s inclusion brings an extra spin-bowling all-rounder into the mix.
The fast-bowling contingent comprises Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Sean Abbott, with captaincy duties falling to Smith in Cummins’ absence. Australia’s successful series win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy has set a positive tone as they approach these crucial matches. The final squad list for the Sri Lanka series includes: Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, and Beau Webster.
