The Australian men’s Test squad for the upcoming Qantas Tour of Sri Lanka has been announced, with a mix of seasoned performers and emerging talent set to take on the two-match series in Galle. Steve Smith will captain the side, stepping in for Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave and recovering from an ankle issue.
The 16-player squad highlights the selectors’ focus on adaptability and depth. Notable inclusions include Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas, two players poised to experience Test cricket in the unique conditions of the subcontinent. Meanwhile, established names like Nathan Lyon, Usman Khawaja, and Mitchell Starc bring experience to the table.
Chair of Selectors George Bailey expressed confidence in the squad’s versatility. “Sri Lanka presents an exciting challenge, with conditions that demand flexibility and adaptability. This group offers options for different team structures, depending on the wickets we encounter,” he said. Bailey also underscored the value of exposing newer players to the subcontinent, citing the importance of upcoming tours in the region.
Pat Cummins’ absence opens the door for Smith to lead the side, a role he last held in the Ashes. Josh Hazlewood continues his recovery from a calf injury, while Mitchell Marsh has been rested to prepare for the Champion’s Trophy, which follows the Sri Lanka series.
The tour offers young players like Cooper Connolly and Todd Murphy the chance to cement their places in the Test arena. Bailey highlighted the opportunity for these players to build their skillsets in a region that demands a high level of tactical acumen and composure.
With a combination of proven performers and eager newcomers, the squad aims to balance growth with the goal of returning victorious from the island nation. The first Test in Galle promises to test the mettle of Australia’s next generation while providing fans with thrilling cricket.
Australia
- Steve Smith (NSW/Sutherland Cricket Club) (c)
- Sean Abbott (NSW/Parramatta District Cricket Club)
- Scott Boland (VIC/Frankston Peninsula Cricket Club)
- Alex Carey (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club)
- Cooper Connolly (WA/Scarborough Cricket Club)
- Travis Head (SA/Tea Tree Gully Cricket Club) (vc)
- Josh Inglis (WA/Joondalup Cricket Club)
- Usman Khawaja (QLD/Valley District Cricket Club)
- Sam Konstas (NSW/Sutherland District Cricket Club)
- Matt Kuhnemann (TAS/Clarence Cricket Club)
- Marnus Labuschagne (QLD/Redlands Cricket Club)
- Nathan Lyon (NSW/Northern District Cricket Club)
- Nathan McSweeney (SA/Glenelg Cricket Club)
- Todd Murphy (VIC/St Kilda Cricket Club)
- Mitchell Starc (NSW/Manly Warringah Cricket Club)
- Beau Webster (TAS/Kingborough Cricket Club)
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🏏#Australia announces its Test squad for the Qantas Tour of #SriLanka! 🌴 @stevesmith49 steps in as captain, leading a blend of seasoned stars & rising talents. 🌟 Excited for the #Galle showdown? 🤔 #TheIndianSun @CricketAus @sboland24https://t.co/RUEXwjT1pF
— The Indian Sun (@The_Indian_Sun) January 9, 2025
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