Australia’s cricket selectors have made a bold move by calling up 21-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly to the national squad for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Connolly, who has played only three matches in the Sheffield Shield, has earned his place based on his strong performances in the Big Bash League. Along with his batting skills, Connolly’s left-arm orthodox spin adds valuable depth to the squad. This selection means veteran Glenn Maxwell, who has not featured in a Test match since the 2017 Bangladesh tour, has once again been overlooked.
Maxwell, despite his ongoing desire to make a Test return, has not played any first-class cricket since July 2023, which seems to have played a role in his exclusion. Also missing from the squad is Mitchell Marsh, with selectors opting to leave him out in favor of Beau Webster. Webster impressed with his performance on debut in Sydney and has now secured his spot for Sri Lanka. Cricket Australia explained that Marsh’s omission was due to a focus on the upcoming Champions Trophy, which follows the Sri Lanka tour.
In addition to Connolly, spinners Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy have retained their places, while Nathan McSweeney has been brought back into the fold. Both Kuhnemann and Murphy gained valuable experience during Australia’s 2023 India tour, where Murphy made a spectacular debut, taking 7-124 in a single innings. Kuhnemann, although overshadowed at times, showcased his potential with a stunning 5-wicket haul in Indore. The inclusion of McSweeney is a notable development, especially after he was dropped following Australia’s recent Test series against India.
The squad selection has raised questions about Australia’s opening options. Usman Khawaja, who has struggled with form recently, continues to be a strong candidate due to his ability against spin bowling. Meanwhile, Sam Konstas, who replaced McSweeney earlier, failed to lock down a permanent spot despite promising starts. There is also the possibility of Travis Head being moved up the batting order, leaving an opening in the middle, which only adds more intrigue to the selection debate.
Pat Cummins will miss the tour due to paternity leave, and Josh Hazlewood is still recovering from a calf injury. Steve Smith, however, will step in as Test captain during Cummins’ absence. According to George Bailey, the Chair of Selectors, this squad is designed to adapt to varying conditions in Sri Lanka and beyond, particularly with upcoming subcontinental tours in mind. Bailey expressed excitement over the opportunities for young players to gain valuable experience in challenging conditions.
Australia Test Squad for Sri Lanka Tour:
Steve Smith (captain)
Sean Abbott
Scott Boland
Alex Carey
Cooper Connolly
Travis Head (vice-captain)
Josh Inglis
Usman Khawaja
Sam Konstas
Matt Kuhnemann
Marnus Labuschagne
Nathan Lyon
Nathan McSweeney
Todd Murphy
Mitchell Starc
Beau Webster