Cooper Connolly Makes His Test Debut Call-Up for Sri Lanka Series; McSweeney, Kuhnemann, Murphy Included

Melbourne, January 9 (NationPress) Western Australia’s promising all-rounder Cooper Connolly has earned his first-ever Test call-up, while Nathan McSweeney has been re-selected after being absent during the latter stages of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Australia has announced a 16-player squad for the forthcoming two-Test series against Sri Lanka, which is set to commence on January 29 in Galle.

The squad also features emerging players Sam Konstas and Beau Webster, both of whom have been recognized for their impressive performances during the series against India.

Connolly, a 21-year-old left-handed batsman and left-arm spinner, is included as a flexible all-round option. His selection highlights both his potential and the selectors' aim to cultivate young talents in challenging subcontinental environments.

However, this selection diminishes the chances of Glenn Maxwell adding to his seven Test caps, effectively ending Maxwell’s hopes for a recall.

Given the spin-friendly conditions of the pitches in Galle, the selectors have opted for three primary spinners: Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, and Matt Kuhnemann. Lyon, recognized as Australia’s leading off-spinner, will spearhead the spin assault, with Murphy and Kuhnemann anticipated to provide crucial support.

Chair of selectors George Bailey pointed out the difficulties of touring Sri Lanka, stating, "Sri Lanka is a challenging and thrilling location to tour due to the varied conditions players might encounter. This squad allows multiple strategies for structuring the XI based on the type of wickets we may face in each match."

Steven Smith will captain the squad in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave and recovering from an ankle injury sustained earlier this summer. Smith’s leadership will be essential as Australia adapts to the unique conditions in Sri Lanka.

Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has also been left out, with selectors choosing to rest him ahead of the Champions Trophy following his India series being cut short due to a calf injury.

Australia will be accompanied by three specialist pace bowlers: Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, and Sean Abbott. With spin expected to dominate the series, this pace trio will need to work in tandem with the spinners and capitalize on any assistance available for seamers.

The addition of Beau Webster and Sam Konstas further enhances Australia’s all-round capabilities. Both players made noteworthy contributions during the series against India, with Konstas scoring a rapid 60 at the MCG and Webster also making a half-century on debut in Sydney, while contributing with the ball.

Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after the third Test against India, is making a return for the Sri Lanka series. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh’s Test career seems uncertain; after being sidelined from the final Test against India and excluded from this squad, the all-rounder’s future in the longest format remains in doubt.

George Bailey emphasized the significance of preparing for future subcontinental tours:

"We are enthusiastic about the opportunity ahead for squad members at the beginning of their Test careers to continue developing their skills in subcontinental conditions, as we have several important tours coming up in the following years."

Australia's squad for the Sri Lanka series includes:

Steven Smith, 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.