Cooper Connolly earns Test debut as Australia heads to Sri Lanka

Australia has named a 16-man squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka, with Steve Smith stepping in as captain while Pat Cummins stays home for the birth of his second child and to manage an ankle issue.

The squad, featuring multiple spin options, reflects the subcontinent’s unique challenges, particularly on the spin-friendly pitches of Galle.

Among the headline inclusions is 21-year-old Cooper Connolly, earning his maiden Test Cricket call-up after an impressive Big Bash League campaign.

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

Australia Test Squad for Sri Lanka Tour

• Steve Smith (c)
• Travis Head (vc)
• Nathan Lyon
• Todd Murphy
• Matthew Kuhnemann
• Mitchell Starc
• Scott Boland
• Sean Abbott
• Beau Webster
• Alex Carey
• Josh Inglis
• Marnus Labuschagne
• Usman Khawaja
• Sam Konstas
• Cooper Connolly
• Nathan McSweeney

The squad also sees the return of spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann, joining veteran Nathan Lyon.

Murphy made waves on debut in 2023, taking 7-124 against India, while Kuhnemann showcased his skills with a stunning 5-16 in Indore.

Lyon, Australia’s most successful bowler in Asia recently, claimed 11 wickets during the team’s last visit to Galle in 2022.

Connolly’s inclusion adds another spin option, with Bailey noting, “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.”

Nathan McSweeney has been recalled after being dropped during the Border-Gavaskar series.

McSweeney, who averages 97 in first-class cricket this summer, could return as a middle-order player.

Despite modest numbers in his early Test appearances, his ability to handle spin-heavy conditions made him a natural choice. His recall highlights the selectors’ willingness to back emerging talent.

Notable omissions include Mitchell Marsh, Peter Handscomb, and Glenn Maxwell, the latter of whom has not played a Test since 2017.

Bailey’s emphasis on youth development shattered Maxwell’s hopes for a return to red-ball cricket, stating, “Sometimes going on one of the hardest tours as a youngster will be the quickest way to learn.”

Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland will lead the pace attack, supported by Sean Abbott and allrounder Beau Webster.

Starc, who carried a rib injury during the summer, remains a key figure, while Boland’s consistency has solidified his place in the squad.

The series begins January 29 in Galle, with preparations set to take place in Dubai to help players acclimatise to subcontinental conditions.

Australia will aim to retain the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy, which they secured in 2022.

Currently, none of the leading cricket bookmakers have markets open for the event.

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