“Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour given the different conditions players can experience,” said chairman of selectors George Bailey. “This team offers several ways to structure the XI depending on the type of wickets they can find in each match.
“We are excited about the opportunity for team members who are at the beginning of their Test careers to continue to grow their games in subcontinental conditions where we will have a number of major tours in the coming years.”
McSweeney was dropped after the third Test against India when the selectors wanted to “throw something different” at India, leading to Konstas’ dramatic debut. But at the time Bailey said they remained confident McSweeney had the game for Test cricket.
Connolly, the 21-year-old Western Australian left-arm spinner and left-arm spinner, offers another all-round option in the team for the two Tests. His inclusion all but ends Glenn Maxwell’s chances of adding to his seven Test caps.
Maxwell had long held out hope of being included in the tour as he came very close to being included in the XI on the last tour of Sri Lanka in 2022.
Konstas and Webster had a significant impact in the last two Tests against India. Konstas scored 60 off 65 balls at the MCG, while Webster made a half-century on his debut in Sydney and contributed with the ball.
Webster’s success, plus Cameron Green’s likely availability later in the year following back surgery, led former captain Aaron Finch to believe it will be difficult for Marsh to return to the format.
“I think it’s going to be very difficult for Mitch to get back on the team now,” Aaron Finch said on ESPN. Around the gate. “There isn’t much cricket left this summer to force a case as Cameron Green will return in early March. For me it will be unlikely.”
There are only three quick specialists traveling with starters Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland along with Sean Abbott.
The first test begins on January 29 and the team heads to the United Arab Emirates for the first time for a training camp.
Australia vs Sri Lanka team
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
