Australia announces cricket squad for Sri Lanka Test series
- By: Cayne Pitstock
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Steve Smith has been named captain for Australia’s two-Test series in Sri Lanka, stepping in for Pat Cummins, who will remain home to celebrate the birth of his second child and manage an ankle issue.
The 16-player cricket squad includes multiple spin options to adapt to the spin-friendly pitches expected in Galle and other subcontinental venues.
Among the notable inclusions is 21-year-old Cooper Connolly, who earned his first Test call-up after a standout Big Bash League campaign.
“Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour given the different conditions players may be presented with,” said chair of selectors George Bailey.
“This squad provides several ways to structure the XI depending on what type of wickets we may encounter in each match.”
Australia’s Test Squad for Sri Lanka Tour
Returning spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann will join veteran Nathan Lyon. Murphy gained attention in 2023 with a remarkable 7-124 against India, while Kuhnemann impressed with a stunning 5-16 in Indore.
Lyon, Australia’s most experienced bowler in Asian conditions, took 11 wickets during the team’s last tour of Galle in 2022.
Connolly’s inclusion offers additional depth to the spin department.
Bailey expressed excitement about the opportunity for young players to develop their skills in subcontinental conditions.
“We are excited about the opportunity ahead for the squad members who are at the start of their Test careers to continue to grow their games in subcontinent conditions where we have a number of important tours in coming years,” he said.
Nathan McSweeney, who averages 97 in first-class cricket this season, has been recalled after being dropped during the Border-Gavaskar series.
While his Test performances have been modest, his skill in handling spin-heavy conditions made him a logical choice.
Notable absences from the squad include Mitchell Marsh, Peter Handscomb, and Glenn Maxwell, who has not played a Test since 2017.
Bailey emphasized the importance of nurturing young talent, noting, “Sometimes going on one of the hardest tours as a youngster will be the quickest way to learn.”
Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland will lead the pace attack, supported by Sean Abbott and allrounder Beau Webster.
Despite carrying a rib injury during the summer, Starc remains a central figure, while Boland’s consistency has cemented his place in the squad.
The series kicks off on January 29 in Galle, with preparations to take place in Dubai to help players acclimatize to the challenging subcontinental conditions.
Australia will aim to retain the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy, which they secured in 2022.
While cricket betting sites for the series are not yet open, Australia’s mix of experience and emerging talent positions them as strong contenders for the upcoming matches.
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