After defeating India 3-1 in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, Australia will now tour Sri Lanka for their last series of the World Test Championship (2023-25). This series will be of two test matches. Cricket Australia has announced its 16-member team for this tour.
Captaincy handed over to Steve Smith
Regular captain Pat Cummins will not be present in the Sri Lanka tour. She has decided to withdraw from this tour due to the birth of her second child. In his absence, Steve Smith has been given the captaincy of the team.
Big bet on spinners
Australia has included seven spinners in the team for this tour, keeping in mind the slow and spin friendly pitches of Asia.
- Uncapped Cooper Connolly (21 years): This young player can play a key role alongside Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhneman.
- Experienced spinner Nathan Lyon will lead the team’s spin attack.
Hazlewood and Marsh out
- Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of this tour due to injuries. During the series against India, he suffered a side strain and calf injury, due to which he could not play in three matches.
- All-rounder Mitchell Marsh is also not included in the team. His eyes will now be on the upcoming Champions Trophy.
- Glenn Maxwell, who played his last Test in Bangladesh seven years ago and has not played a first-class match since 2023, has also been overlooked.
Responsibility for pace attack rests on Starc and Boland
In the absence of Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland will take over the responsibility of fast bowling. Beau Webster has been included as the backup pacer.
Australia team for Sri Lanka tour
- Steve Smith (Captain)
- sean abbott
- Scott Boland
- Alex Carey
- cooper connolly
- Travis Head (Vice Captain)
- josh inglis
- Usman Khawaja
- Sam Constas
- Matt Kuhneman
- marnus labuschagne
- nathan lyon
- nathan mcsweeney
- todd murphy
- Mitchell Starc
- beau webster
