Steve Smith to captain, Konstas & Boland retain spots as Australia announce squad for SL Tests

Steve Smith returns as the captain as Australia announced their squad for the upcoming two match Test series against Sri Lanka which begins on January 29

Australia cricket team have announced the squad for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, with Steve Smith set to lead the side. After leading the side to a 3-1 win in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, skipper Pat Cummins is all set to miss the AUS vs SL series due to the birth of his second child. Meanwhile, IND vs AUS Test series heroes Sam Konstas, Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc have been named in the squad.

Australia squad for Sri Lanka Tests out

While Smith returns as captain, Travis Head has been named his deputy. Opener Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after IND vs AUS 3rd Test for his troubles against Jasprit Bumrah, has been called back to the squad while 19-year-old Sam Konstas has retained his spot. One of the youngest debutants for Australia, Konstas turned heads with his aggressive style of batting coupled with innovative shots in the series against India.

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In the absence of Cummins, Boland has managed to retain his spot in the squad. With 21 wickets from three matches against India, the pacer was arguably one of the best Aussie bowlers who troubled the Indian batters. Sean Abott, Mitchell Starc are the other pacers who will comprise of the fast-bowling department. All-rounder Beau Webster, who replaced Mitchell Marsh in the Sydney Test, has also retained his spot.

Australia have also included multiple spinners in the squad as they gear up for spin-friendly wickets in Sri Lanka. Spearheaded by Nathan Lyon, the spin department comprises of the likes of Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann.

AUS vs SL Tests schedule

1. 1st Test – January 29-February 2 (Galle)
2. 2nd Test – February 6-February 10 (Galle)