MELBOURNE, Australia — Nathan McSweeney has been reinstated to Australia’s test team for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, just weeks after being dropped from the top batting order.
On Thursday, Australia’s selectors announced the squad for the two-test series, which features several new players compared to the team that recently faced India in Sydney. Australia enjoyed a successful five-test series against India, winning 3-1 and securing a place in the World Test Championship final against South Africa, set to take place at Lord’s in June.
Steve Smith will captain the team during the Sri Lanka tour while regular captain Pat Cummins is on leave to be with his wife as they prepare for the arrival of their second child.
The selection committee has prioritized spin bowlers for the two tests against Sri Lanka, including 21-year-old Cooper Connolly, who has yet to earn a cap in test matches. He is one of seven bowlers specializing in spin included in the 16-player squad. Connolly is a left-arm allrounder with experience in limited-overs cricket and joins the team alongside specialist spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann.
In his initial three tests against India, McSweeney managed to score 72 runs at an average of 14.4 but lost his place to Sam Konstas ahead of the Melbourne Cricket Ground test on December 26. This season, the 25-year-old has been batting at No. 3 for South Australia, averaging 97, after previously batting lower in the order.
Cricket Australia noted that Cummins is dealing with an ankle issue that was managed throughout the recent test summer, while fellow fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is still recovering from a calf injury. Mitchell Marsh has also been left out of the touring squad, as he shifts his focus to the upcoming 50-overs Champion’s Trophy in Pakistan, which kicks off shortly after the test series.
The first test is scheduled to commence on January 29, with the second set for February 6, both taking place at Galle International Stadium, known for its spin-friendly conditions. Additionally, a single one-day international is planned for February 13 at the same venue.
Selector George Bailey emphasized the unique and challenging nature of touring Sri Lanka, citing the diverse playing conditions players may encounter. He mentioned that this squad has the flexibility to adapt their lineup based on the wicket conditions they face in each match.
Australia’s test squad includes: 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, and Beau Webster.
