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