Steve Smith has been appointed captain of the Australian Test team for the upcoming three-match series against Sri Lanka, filling in for Pat Cummins who is on paternity leave. The squad sees the inclusion of Cooper Connolly and the exclusion of several players, including Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh, as Australia prepares for this critical series in January 2024.
Australia’s Test team will be captained by Steve Smith in the forthcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka, succeeding Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave for the birth of his second child. Smith, who faced a two-year ban from leadership due to his role in the 2018 ball-tampering incident, has made a notable return to the captaincy. The squad has also seen the exclusion of seamer Josh Hazlewood due to a calf injury, while spin bowler Cooper Connolly earns his maiden Test call-up.
In addition to Connolly, Nathan McSweeney retains his position in the squad after participating in the prior series against India, where he accrued 72 runs over six matches before being supplanted by younger talent Sam Konstas. Meanwhile, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh has been omitted following an underwhelming performance in the recent series. The team’s spin ranks will feature seasoned campaigners such as Nathan Lyon, with newcomers, including Connolly, expected to bolster the bowling arsenal.
The first Test is scheduled to commence on January 29 in Galle, drawing further significance as Australia’s recent series victory over India qualified them for the World Test Championship final against South Africa. This match is set to be held at Lord’s from June 11 to June 15, underscoring the competitive nature of the current Australian cricket landscape.
The Australian Test cricket team is preparing for a challenging series against Sri Lanka, which involves a transition in leadership as Steve Smith resumes the captaincy. Smith’s reinstatement comes after a significant hiatus from leadership roles due to a past controversy. This series is particularly critical as it follows Australia’s triumph over India, which allowed the team to qualify for a prestigious final, reflecting their competitive stature in the international arena.
In summary, the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka presents an opportunity for Steve Smith to lead Australia after a phased return to captaincy following prior sanctions. The absence of key players such as Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood underscores the challenges faced by the squad. Australia will aim to build on its recent success against India while integrating new talent like Cooper Connolly into its ranks. The backdrop of the series continuation to the World Test Championship final adds further intrigue to Australia’s performance in these matches.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
