Smith to captain Australia in Sri Lanka Tests

As Pat Cummins takes a paternity leave, former Australia captain Steve Smith will take the upcoming three-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

Smith, 35, previously served a two-year ban from captaincy following his involvement in the 2018 ball-tampering scandal.

Josh Hazlewood, a seamer, and Cummins are both axed out as he recovers from a calf injury, and he is also missing the series due to the birth of his second child.

In his place, Spinner Cooper Connolly receives his first Test call-up, while Nathan McSweeney, who started the series against India in its first three Tests, is given a second chance.

McSweeney, 25, scored 72 runs in six innings before being replaced by 19-year-old Sam Konstas, who is also named in the squad.

Connolly, 21, has played two one-day internationals and two T20s for Australia and is yet to take a wicket in either format.

The spin attack features him, Matt Kuhnemann, Todd Murphy, and Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Sean Abbott, all of whom work first.

After a poor series against India, Mitchell Marsh was left, and Beau Webster, who took his place in the final Test in Sydney, was able to fill that position.

On January 29th, Galle will host the first Test.

Australia’s series win over India saw them qualify for the World Test Championship final, where they will take on South Africa at Lord’s on 11-15 June.