Australia Test squad for Sri Lanka announced; Humongous all-rounder's career ends

Cricket Australia has announced a 16-player squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which is set to commence on January 29. Star batter Steve Smith will lead the Test team in Sri Lanka as regular captain Pat Cummins remains in the country for the birth of his second child.

Australia's Test series will be their final red-ball assignment before the World Test Championship (WTC) final. The team has already secured qualification for the WTC final, which is set to be held at Lord's in June. They advanced to their second consecutive WTC final in the prestigious red-ball tournament.

Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell Unlikely to Feature for Australia in Tests Again

Veteran cricketers Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh have been left out of Australia's squad. As per Cricket Australia, Hazlewood is recovering from a calf injury. Both players will focus on preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, set to be played in Pakistan and the UAE in February-March.

All-rounder Glenn Maxwell's hopes of a Test comeback have dimmed as he was not selected for the tour. Teenage opener Sam Konstas and all-rounder Beau Webster retained their spots in the squad after impressive Test debuts against India. Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland will lead the pace bowling attack.

Cooper Connolly Receives Maiden Test Call-Up for Sri Lanka Tour

The selectors included uncapped 21-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly in the squad. Connolly, who bowls left-arm orthodox, received his maiden call-up from the Test team. He will be with specialist spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann in the slow-bowling lineup for the Sri Lanka tour.

The squad also features uncapped players Sean Abbott and Josh Inglis, both of whom were part of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy squad. Nathan McSweeney, who lost his place during the home summer, has been recalled. McSweeney previously played three Test matches during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Australia squad for Sri Lanka Tests: 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

Sri Lanka Is a Challenging and Exciting Place to Tour - George Bailey

Australia's chief selector, George Bailey, said that Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour. He mentioned that the squad has flexibility in the playing XI based on the pitch. Bailey expressed enthusiasm for the opportunity for emerging players in the squad to further develop their skills.

“Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour given the different conditions the players may experience,” George Bailey said. “This squad provides several ways to structure the XI depending on what type of wickets they may encounter in each match.

“We are excited about the opportunity ahead for the squad members who are at the start of their Test careers to continue to grow their games in subcontinent conditions where we have a number of important tours in coming years.”

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