Steve Smith to Captain Australia in SL vs AUS Tour: Pat Cummins will become the father of his second child during Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka. The regular Australian captain had requested leave a few months ago to be with his pregnant wife. Cricket Australia (CA) announced a 16-member Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka today, granting him paternity leave.
In Cummins’ absence, Steven Smith has been appointed as the captain. Smith, who lost the captaincy for a long time due to the Sandpaper Gate scandal in the 2018 Cape Town Test, has since led the team in 12 matches across three series when the regular captain was unavailable.
Australia Gears Up with a Spin-Heavy Squad
Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming Sri Lanka tour features four specialist spinners to tackle the spin-friendly conditions. The experienced Nathan Lyon is joined by Todd Murphy, Matt Kuhnemann, and newcomer Cooper Connolly. Additionally, part-time spinners Travis Head and Marnus Labuschagne provide extra depth in the spin department.
Steve Smith Will Lead The Side
Pat Cummins, expecting his second child, has been granted leave for the Sri Lanka tour. Steven Smith has been appointed captain in his absence, stepping into a familiar role. Smith has led the Australian side in 12 matches across three series since his return from the Sandpaper Gate scandal.
Steve Smith will lead the Australian side as Pat Cummins is staying back in Australia for the birth of his second child.
This will be the first time since 2018 that Smith will begin a fresh tour as skipper right from the beginning. #SLvAUS pic.twitter.com/26aJpXQz7m
— Cricket.com (@weRcricket) January 9, 2025
Marsh and Maxwell Miss Out for Champions Trophy Preparations
Neither Mitchell Marsh nor Glenn Maxwell were included in the squad. Chief Selector George Bailey stated, “The Champions Trophy is right after the Sri Lanka tour. They (Marsh and Maxwell) have been asked to prepare for the Champions Trophy.”
Injury Setbacks for Hazlewood
Pacer Josh Hazlewood has not been selected as he continues his recovery from injury. This adds to the challenges faced by the Australian pace attack on this subcontinental tour.
Additionally, Rising star Sam Konstas has retained his place in the squad. Another opener, Nathan McSweeney, has also been recalled, boosting Australia’s top-order options. Backup wicketkeeper Josh Inglis returns after recovering from an injury.
Steve Smith as a captain for Australia in India in 2023:
Matches – 5
Won – 3
Lost – 1
Draw – 1Remarkable from Smith as a leader, he was just fantastic. pic.twitter.com/GDflYOje8D
— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) March 22, 2023
Beau Webster, who impressed in his debut match in Sydney, is also included. Meanwhile, Cooper Connolly earns his maiden Test call-up after solid performances in ODIs and T20Is. The 21-year-old’s all-around capabilities add valuable depth to the squad.
The Australian Tour of Sri Lanka: Full Details and Key Updates
Both Tests under the ICC World Test Championship will be held at the Galle International Stadium. The first starts on January 29, and the second on February 6. With South Africa and Australia already in the final of the Test Championship, Australia’s matches against Sri Lanka have become mere formalities. Following the Test series, Australia will face Sri Lanka in an ODI in Hambantota on February 13, setting the stage for their Champions Trophy campaign.
Australia’s squad for the two-match Test series 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