Australia Selects Test Squad for Sri Lanka Tour

Australia's cricket selectors have named a 16-man squad for the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka, recalling Nathan McSweeney and including 21-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly for the first time. Steve Smith will lead the team in the absence of regular captain Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave. McSweeney, dropped after a disappointing series against India, has the chance to return as a middle-order batsman, while Connolly's left-arm spin is seen as valuable on Sri Lanka's turning pitches. The squad is characterized by a focus on youth, as selectors aim to develop players for future tours in challenging conditions. Australia will play two Tests starting January 29, with selectors keen to structure the team based on the conditions they encounter. The tour also presents an opportunity for the team to uphold their status in the Warne-Muralitharan Trophy.