Australia’s team for the upcoming two-Test match series in Sri Lanka, which begins on January 29, has been revealed. With Steven Smith replacing Pat Cummins as captain, the 16-man team has some noticeable withdrawals as well as some new faces.
Australia’s regular captain, Cummins, will stay at home to give birth to his second kid and heal from an ankle injury he suffered during the summer. Nathan McSweeney returns, and Cooper Connolly, a 21-year-old all-rounder, receives his maiden Test call-up. For the spin-friendly surfaces at Galle, where both Test matches will be played, left-arm spinner Matthew Kuhnemann has also been named to the team. He will join Todd Murphy and Nathan Lyon as a formidable spin trio.
In order to provide both batting and bowling depth, selectors have chosen to choose only three fast bowlers—Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Sean Abbott—as well as all-rounder Beau Webster. Josh Hazlewood will concentrate on getting ready for the Champions Trophy after missing time due to a calf ailment. George Bailey, the selectors’ chair, discussed the difficulties of travelling to Sri Lanka.
“Considering the many situations the players may encounter, Sri Lanka is a demanding and thrilling destination to travel. This team offers multiple options for arranging the starting lineup based on the kind of wickets they might take in each game. “With several significant tours in the upcoming years, we are thrilled about the chance for the team members who are just beginning their Test careers to continue improving their skills in subcontinental conditions,” Bailey said in a statement.
In the meantime, Sam Konstas and Webster will earn their spots with outstanding performances in the final Test matches, while McSweeney, who was dropped mid-series against India in the just finished Border-Gavaskar Trophy, will return. While Webster hit a strong 57 and 39* on his debut in Sydney and contributed with the ball by taking a wicket, Konstas made an outstanding 60 off 65 balls at the MCG.
Australia’s squad for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka:
Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster
India
