Australia Faces Uncertainty Ahead of Sri Lanka Tour

Australia's cricket team is facing uncertainty ahead of the Champions Trophy as captain Pat Cummins is dealing with an ankle injury, with his availability still uncertain pending medical scans. In his absence, Steve Smith will lead the team for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka, as Cummins is also on paternity leave. The squad includes Cooper Connolly, who earns his first Test call-up, while Josh Hazlewood is left out due to a calf injury. The series will provide an opportunity for younger players like Nathan McSweeney to develop in challenging subcontinent conditions. Australia has already qualified for the World Test Championship final, where they will face South Africa in June. The series against Sri Lanka is considered a chance to prepare the team for future important tours.