Aussies pick spin-friendly squad for Sri Lanka tour
AUSTRALIA has announced its initial squad for the upcoming test tour of Sri Lanka, which is set to kick off on January 29.
There were a few surprises in the squad, with the Aussies looking to take full advantage of the spinning wickets the host nation has to offer. Australia will take three spinners to the subcontinent, with Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann set to accompany veteran Nathan Lyon on the tour.
The biggest omission of the squad is skipper Pat Cummins, with the skipper set to remain in Australia on paternity leave due to the imminent birth of his child. This means Steve Smith will captain the squad once again, stepping back into the role he occupied throughout much of the 2010s.
Australia recalled Nathan McSweeney after the batsman was dropped midway through the Border-Gavaskar Trophy series against India, while 21-year-old West Australian Cooper Connolly could be in line for a debut after the all-rounder was included in the 16-man squad.
How Australia’s XI looks for the first game remains to be seen, with a number of possibilities when it comes to both the top seven and the bowling attack. The Aussies could stick to the same bats that finished off the series against India, but there is the chance that Travis Head could move up the order, having done so overseas in the past.
Only three quicks are included in the team in Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Sean Abbott, but the Ausssies could take three spinners into the opening test match if they believe it is the best chance to take wickets.
Chief Selector George Bailey said the squad offers flexibility based on the wicket produced in Sri Lanka.
“Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour given the different conditions the players may experience,” chief selector George Bailey said.
“This squad provides several ways to structure the XI depending on what type of wickets they may encounter in each match.
“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.”
Australia squad vs. Sri Lanka
Steve Smith (capt)
Sean Abbott
Scott Boland
Alex Carey
Cooper Connolly
Travis Head
Josh Inglis
Usman Khawaja
Sam Konstas
Matthew Kuhnemann
Marnus Labuschagne
Nathan Lyon
Nathan McSweeney
Todd Murphy
Mitchell Starc
Beau Webster
Aussies pick spin-friendly squad for Sri Lanka tour
AUSTRALIA has announced its initial squad for the upcoming test tour of Sri Lanka, which is set to kick off on January 29. There were a few surprises in the squad, with the Aussies looking to take full advantage of the spinning wickets the host nation has to offer. Australia will take three spinners to […]
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