Delhi: Cricket Australia (CA) has announced its Test team for the tour of Sri Lanka. Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after the third Test against India due to poor form, has been called back into the team after just three weeks. Some new faces have also been given a chance for this tour. However, this tour is just preparation for the final of the ICC World Test Championship for Australia, as they have already made it to the final by defeating India 3-1. The Australian team will play the final of the ICC World Test Championship against South Africa at Lord's from June 11.

Pat Cummins is on leave due to the birth of his second child, due to which Steve Smith has been handed the captaincy. The selectors have strengthened the spin department in the team keeping in mind the spin-friendly pitches of Sri Lanka. 21-year-old Cooper Connolly has been included in the Test team for the first time. Cooper Connolly has played limited overs for Australia, while this will be his first time in Tests. Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhneman have also been included to support Nathan Lyon.

Scott Boland and Mitchell Starc will handle the responsibility of the fast bowling department. Apart from this, Shaun Abbott and Beau Webster are two all-rounders included in the team. Josh Inglis and Alex Carey will handle the job of wicketkeeping. Sam Constas, who batted brilliantly against India, has also been included in the team.

Nathan McSweeney, who was dropped after scoring just 72 runs at an average of 14.4 in the three Test matches against India, has been recalled considering his excellent form in domestic cricket. Now it remains to be seen whether Constas opens with Khawaja, or McSweeney is given a chance.

The first Test between Australia and Sri Lanka will be played from 29 January, while the second Test will start from 6 February. After this, both the teams will play the only ODI match on 13th February. After this, the Australian team will leave for Pakistan to participate in the Champions Trophy.

Australia team (for Test against Sri Lanka)

Steve Smith (captain), Shaun Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Kontas, Matt Kuhneman, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster .

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