Smith to captain Australia in Srilanka (Image Credit:- X)

Batter Steve Smith will lead Australia in Srilanka test series in absence of Pat Cummins. Regular captain Pat Cummins is out on a paternity leave and also nursing an ankle injury. Travis Head named Steve Smith’s deputy.

Australia dropped all-rounder Mitchell Marsh and pacer Josh Hazlewood who is recovering from calf injury.

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Opener Sam Konstas , Nathan McSweeney and all-rounder Beau Webster included in the 16 member squad.

The squad contain three pacers in Mitchell Starc , Scott Boland and Sean Abbott and three spinners in Todd Murphy , Matt Kuhnemann and Nathan Lyon.

“Srilanka is 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.

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“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,” Cricket Australia chairman of selectors George Bailey said.

Australia Squad:- Steve Smith (c) , Travis Head (vc) , Usman Khawaja , Sam Konstas , Marnus Labuchagne , Alex Carey (wk) , Josh Ingilis , Nathan McSweeney , Beau Webster , Nathan Lyon , Mitchell Starc , Cooper Connolly , Todd Murphy , Matt Kuhnemann , Sean Abbot , Scott Boland.