Cricket Australia on Thursday announced a 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 regular skipper, will miss the series due to paternity leave and ongoing management of an ankle issue sustained earlier in the season.
The Australian board 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.
The squad features a lean pace contingent, with Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Sean Abbott as the only frontline fast bowlers.
To address the spin-friendly conditions in Sri Lanka, Australia has bolstered its slow-bowling department with Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann supporting veteran Nathan Lyon.
Young batter Nathan McSweeney, who was overlooked during the latter stages of the India series, has been included, along with left-handed batter and part-time spinner Cooper Connolly, who earns his maiden call-up to the Test side.
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.
The Sri Lanka Tests will serve as Australia’s final preparation ahead of the ICC World Test Championship final, where they are set to face South Africa in June at Lord’s.
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
- Dates: February 6 (Thursday) - February 10 (Monday)
- Venue: Galle International Stadium, Galle
- Steve Smith
- Pat Cummins