Steve Smith will lead Australia in its Sri Lanka tour, stepping in for regular captain Pat Cummins, who is on <a href="https://sports-info.online/2025/01/20/cricket/<a href="https://sports-info.online/2025/01/13/cricket/south-africa-announces-squad-for-icc-champions-trophy-2025-bavuma-to-captain-the-proteas/” title=”South Africa announces squad for ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Bavuma to captain the Proteas”>cummins-doubtful-for-champions-trophy-2025-with-sore-ankle/” title=”Cummins doubtful for Champions Trophy 2025 with sore ankle”>paternity leave, Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Thursday.
The squad was named following Australia’s 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy win over India, which secured its spot in the World Test Championship final. Cummins is also addressing an ankle issue managed during the Test summer, while pacer Josh Hazlewood continues to recover from a calf injury. Mitchell Marsh has been omitted to focus on the upcoming Champions Trophy in Pakistan.
Australia’s selectors prioritised spin for the two Tests, including uncapped 21-year-old Cooper Connolly among seven spin options in the 16-man squad. “Sri Lanka presents unique challenges, and this squad allows flexibility depending on conditions,” said selector George Bailey.
The tour includes two Tests, starting January 29 and February 6, followed by a one-off ODI on February 13.
Australia squad for Sri Lanka tour:
Steve Smith (captain), 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.
(With AP inputs)
