Steve Smith to Captain Australia as Mitchell Marsh is Dropped from Sri Lanka Test Squad

Australia has also called up 21-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly

Steve Smith will lead Australia’s 16-member squad for the upcoming two-Test tour of Sri Lanka, with Travis Head appointed as his deputy in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins. Cummins, who is expecting the birth of his second child with wife Becky Boston, had indicated he would likely miss the tour after leading Australia to victory in the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) against India.

Out-of-form all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who was dropped from the fifth Test of the BGT, has not been included in the squad. Instead, Beau Webster, who impressed with scores of 57 and 39* and a wicket in Marsh’s absence, has earned a spot in his first overseas Test series.

Australia has also called up 21-year-old spin-bowling all-rounder Cooper Connolly. Despite playing just six First-Class matches, Connolly is regarded as one of Australia’s most promising talents due to his consistent performances for the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League.

Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after the third Test of the BGT, returns to the squad, while Sam Konstas, who replaced him and impressed in his role, will also travel. Wicketkeeper Josh Inglis, who was ruled out with injury during the latter part of the BGT, is also back in the squad.

Selection panel chair George Bailey said, “Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour, given the different conditions players may face. This squad offers various options for structuring the XI depending on the type of wickets we may encounter.”

He added, “We are excited about the opportunity for squad members starting their Test careers to develop their skills in subcontinent conditions, ahead of several key tours in the coming years.”

The two Tests will begin on January 29 and February 6

Australia’s Squad for Two Tests 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

IPL 2024

Related articles

Mitchell Santner Family- Father, Mother, Siblings

Born on February 5, 1992, Mitchell Josef Santner is a versatile New Zealand international cricketer, showcasing his skills across all formats of the game....

KKR vs SRH 2025 Playing 11: Kolkata and Hyderabad Eager to Return to Winning Ways – Check Predicted Lineups

Despite having star players, Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad have not had an ideal start to IPL 2025. Both teams have played three...

KKR vs SRH: Who Will Win Today’s Match? Stats to Determine the Stronger Team

Kolkata Knight Riders will take the field at their home ground, Eden Gardens Stadium, on April 3 to face Sunrisers Hyderabad. Both teams have...

RCB vs GT- Bengaluru Pitch Report, Weather Forecast and IPL Stats

The 14th match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 will witness an exciting clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Gujarat Titans (GT)...

BCCI Central Contract 2025- Comeback for Shreyas Iyer But Ishan Kishan Snubbed Again

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is expected to announce the list of centrally contracted players soon. Shreyas Iyer, who played...

IPL 2025: Rajasthan Royals Captain Riyan Parag Faces Huge Loss, Fined Despite Winning the Match

Rajasthan Royals (RR) secured their first victory in IPL 2025 by defeating Chennai Super Kings (CSK) by 6 runs in the 11th match of...

Who is Hardik Pandya’s Alleged Girlfriend Jasmin Walia? This Song Made Her a Sensation

Is Hardik Pandya in love again after parting ways with Natasa Stankovic? If social media discussions and speculations are to be believed, then the...

Will Virat Kohli Play in the 2027 ODI World Cup? Reveals His Next Big Goal – Watch Viral Video

Indian cricket superstar Virat Kohli has revealed his next big goal. Speculation is high on whether Kohli will participate in the 2027 ODI World...