THIS star cricketer, previously banned as captain is now set to once again lead the team in Sri Lanka

Star Australian batter Steve Smith has been named interim captain of the Australian national team, following the release of a 16-player roster for the next two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which begins on January 29. Smith had previously faced a captaincy ban for the 2018 'Sandpaper Gate' incident during the Newlands Test in Cape Town, but Cricket Australia lifted the penalty in March 2019.

He will take over for Pat Cummins, who is out due to paternity leave, a slight ankle injury received during the recent home summer, and the birth of his second child.

Former Australia Under-19 World Cup captain Cooper Connolly receives his first Test call-up, while young all-rounder Nathan McSweeney returns after missing the Melbourne and Sydney Tests in the recent Border-Gavaskar series.

Spinners Matt Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy have also returned to the Sri Lanka tour squad. However, pacer Josh Hazlewood will be out owing to a calf injury, while Mitchell Marsh will be sidelined as both players prepare for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Notable exclusions include Glenn Maxwell, Adam Zampa, and Peter Handscomb, who were originally considered for the tour. Chairman of selectors George Bailey stressed the particular obstacles of playing in Sri Lanka and the opportunities it gives for newer players to display their abilities.

“Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour due to the diverse conditions players may face. This squad allows for flexibility in structuring the XI based on the type of wickets we encounter,” Bailey said.

“We are excited for the newer squad members to continue developing their skills in subcontinent conditions, particularly with several important tours in this region over the coming years,” he added.

Although the two matches are part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-2025 cycle, the final standings are already known. Australia, with 63.73 percent of the available points, and South Africa, with 69.44 percent, have secured the top two positions and cannot be surpassed.

Australia will face South Africa in the WTC Final, which begins on June 11 at Lord's, as they seek to defend their championship mace. The Proteas sealed their position with a crucial victory over Pakistan in late 2024.

Australia squad for Sri Lanka tour: Steve Smith (captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

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