Australian Test squad for Sri Lanka tour announced
Cricket Australia named a strong 15 man squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. Led by Steven Smith, the team includes the likes of Shaun Marsh and Nathan Coulter-Nile while Moises Henriques earns a call up and fit-again Mitchell Starc is back in Australian colours.
FULL SQUAD:
There are a number of talking points regarding the squad, none more so that Moises Henriques earning a recall to the Test arena. He has played two Tests in the past, against India in 2013, which was a disappointing time for the Australian squad with all the clamour surrounding the ‘homework’ scandal and Australia went on to lose the series 4-0.
There are a few reasons for his recall, one, Glenn Maxwell was axed from the squad following a disappointing last couple of months where he has struggled to find form and Moises will be expected to fill the void left by him. Two, Mitchell Marsh pulled out of the IPL with a side strain and while he has recovered in time to be named in the squad, Henriques provides added insurance as an all rounder. Three, he has been impressive with both the ball and bat for the Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2016, a side captained by David Warner.
National selector Rod Marsh said, "This squad has proven experience in subcontinental conditions. Henriques comes into the squad to give the flexibility of an additional allrounder option, having already shown he plays and adapts well to spin-friendly conditions. He has been working hard with his fitness and we believe he is in prime condition to serve us well should he be selected to play.
Jackson Bird and Nathan Coulter-Nile join a pace attack including Josh Hazlewood and fit again Mitchell Starc. "Jackson Bird and Nathan Coulter-Nile join the squad and will give us good control and pace. Jackson had an impressive Sheffield Shield season and showed skill with reverse swing in the last Test match in New Zealand earlier this year. He's playing in England at the moment and we're confident this will build his skills to assist the squad if he is selected in Sri Lanka.” Marsh added.
Australia’s selectors have opted to pick two specialist spinners in Nathan Lyon and Stephen O’Keefe and have ignored Maxwell’s ability to roll his arm over. "Stephen O'Keefe will complement Nathan Lyon and plays an important role in the subcontinent if he's selected in the final XI. We know his ability, he takes wickets continually in first class cricket and he impresses when we select him to play Test cricket." Marsh added.
Australia are set to play 3 Tests in Sri Lanka from the end of July to mid-August with the first Test getting underway on the 26th of July at Pallekele.