Australia vs Sri Lanka Test Series Preview: Squads and how to watch and stream

Steve Smith will captain the team in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is staying in Australia due to family commitments and an ankle issue. The squad includes seven spin-bowling options, signaling a focus on the subcontinent’s spin-friendly pitches.

Uncapped allrounder Cooper Connolly, known for his left-arm orthodox spin, has been called up for his first Test tour alongside specialist spinners Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, and Matthew Kuhnemann. Part-time spin options include Travis Head, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, and Beau Webster, who also contributes with off-spin and middle-order batting.

Fast bowlers Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland will lead the pace attack, with Sean Abbott providing backup. Veteran players Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, and Josh Hazlewood were left out, with Marsh and Hazlewood focusing on preparation for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Josh Inglis returns as a backup wicketkeeper to Alex Carey, while McSweeney, who lost his spot during the home summer, has been recalled.

The squad highlights Australia’s intent to reward younger players, featuring talents like Connolly (21), Murphy (24), McSweeney (25), and Konstas (19). This approach reflects the selectors’ focus on developing players for subcontinent conditions, with important tours lined up in the coming years.

Beau Webster’s impressive debut against India has earned him a crucial role as a seam-bowling allrounder. 

Meanwhile, Head, named vice-captain, is expected to contribute both with the bat and his occasional off-spin. He may also continue as an opener alongside Usman Khawaja, a strategy employed during the India series.

The Tests will take place in Galle, starting January 29 and February 6, where spin is likely to dominate. During Australia’s last visit to Sri Lanka in 2022, spinners claimed the majority of wickets. The team’s preparation includes a training camp in Dubai before heading to Sri Lanka. 

The series will see Australia defending the Warne-Muralidaran Trophy, which they regained in 2019 and retained with a 1-1 draw in 2022.

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

Dhananjaya de Silva (capt.), Dimuth Karunaratne, Pathum Nissanka, Oshada Fernando, Lahiru Udara, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Kusal Mendis, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Sonal Dinusha, Prabath Jayasuriya, Jeffrey Vandersay, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Vishwa Fernando, Lahiru Kumara, Milan Rathnayake.

First Test: January 29-February 2, Galle (3.30pm AEDT)

Second Test: February 6-10, Galle (3.30pm AEDT)