Canberra: Steve Smith, a right-handed batsman, has been named the interim captain of the national team as Australia announced a 16-player squad for their upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, set to commence on January 29.
Smith will take the helm in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is currently on paternity leave and managing a minor ankle injury sustained during the recent home summer.
Cooper Connolly, the former captain of the Australia U19 Cricket World Cup team, has received his first call-up to the Test squad, while Nathan McSweeney returns after missing the Melbourne and Sydney Tests in the recent Border-Gavaskar Series.
Spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy are also back in the lineup for the tour, although the team will be without Josh Hazlewood due to a calf injury and Mitchell Marsh, as both players are focusing on the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy.
Notably, Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and Peter Handscomb, who were considered as potential candidates for the tour, were ultimately not selected.
George Bailey, the chair of selectors for Australia, emphasized that the unique challenges of playing in Sri Lanka present an opportunity for newer players to make their mark in red-ball cricket for the national team.
Sri Lanka presents a unique and thrilling environment for touring teams, as players may encounter a variety of conditions. George Bailey remarked, as reported by the ICC official website, that this team offers multiple options for structuring the playing XI based on the types of pitches they may face in each match.
"We are looking forward to the opportunities that lie ahead for the squad members who are beginning their Test careers. This will allow them to enhance their skills in subcontinental conditions, especially with several significant tours on the horizon," the former Australian captain noted.
Although the two matches are part of the World Test Championship 2023-2025 cycle, the final standings are already determined, with Australia (63.73% of possible points) and South Africa (69.44% of possible points) firmly occupying the top two positions.
Australia will take on South Africa starting June 11 at Lord's as they defend the World Test Championship mace, with the Proteas securing their place following a win over Pakistan in late 2024.
Sri Lanka Test series against Australia:
January 29 to February 2 - Galle.
February 6 to February 10 - Galle.
Australia Squad: 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.
