Ahead of the second Test in Galle, the visitors released young opener Sam Konstas, who was seen playing some decent knocks in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 against India.

It is to be noted that Konstas did not feature in the opening Test with Travis Head replacing him as opener alongside veteran Usman Khawaja.

Sam Konstas released from Australia squad ahead of second Test vs SL

As confirmed on the eve of the Test, Sam Konstas will be heading back to Australia to play the Sheffield Shield match for New South Wales. Earlier as reported by Sydney Morning Herald, the Australian selectors "chose to send Konstas home early so he can play" in the first round of Shield games after the Big Bash League, as he has never played a first-class match in Brisbane before.

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'That's the plan. Hopefully, I can be back for the first game," Konstas was quoted as saying by the leading daily. "It's been a huge honour being in the squad and learning from the likes of Travis Head, Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, the way they go about it. And obviously having experience in the Asian continent in Dubai,' he continued.

"It's been about understanding what works in these conditions, and hopefully I can emulate that after I get back to Sydney. Understanding your strengths and trying to do it for as long as possible in these conditions,' the 19-year-old further added.

Australia squad for second Test against Sri Lanka

Steven Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau WebsterVaidehi Singh