Australia announces Test squad for Sri Lanka tour

Australia has announced its 16-player squad for the upcoming two match Test series in Sri Lanka, with Cooper Connolly earning his maiden call-up and Nathan McSweeney making a return. Sam Konstas and Beau Webster, who impressed in their early Test appearances, have also retained their places.  

The spin-friendly conditions in Galle, which will host both Tests, have led to the inclusion of three frontline spinners: Nathan Lyon, Matt Kuhnemann, and Todd Murphy.  

Mitchell Marsh’s Test future, however, remains uncertain as he missed out on selection following his omission from the final Test against India.  

Steven Smith will lead the team in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave and recovering from an ankle injury. Meanwhile, fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been rested to focus on the Champions Trophy after suffering a calf injury during the India series.  

“Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour given the different conditions the players may experience,” chair of selectors George Bailey said. “This squad provides several options to structure the XI depending on the wickets they encounter,” he added.   

Connolly, a 21-year-old left-handed batter and left-arm spinner from Western Australia, has been added as another all-round option. His selection has further diminished Glenn Maxwell's hopes of a Test return. Maxwell, who was close to playing during the last tour of Sri Lanka in 2022, remains stuck on seven Test caps.  

Sam Konstas and Beau Webster have been rewarded for their impactful performances in the final two Tests against India. Konstas scored a brisk 60 at the MCG, while Webster contributed with both bat and ball, including a half-century on debut in Sydney.  

Former captain Aaron Finch believes it will be difficult for Mitchell Marsh to reclaim a spot, particularly with the expected return of Cameron Green later this year. 

“With Green coming back in early March, I think it’ll be really difficult for Mitch to make a comeback,” Finch said.  

The team will first travel to the UAE for a training camp before heading to Sri Lanka. The first Test is scheduled to begin on January 29.  

Australia Squad:

Steven Smith (c), 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, Beau Webster.