Australia Names Spin-Focused Squad for Sri Lanka Tests, Steve Smith to Captain

Pat Cummins misses the tour for family reasons as selectors prioritize spin options for challenging subcontinent conditions.

Australia's 16-man squad for the two-Test series in Sri Lanka includes a heavy focus on spin, with Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, and Matt Kuhnemann as specialist spinners.
Uncapped all-rounder Cooper Connolly, valued for his left-arm offspin, is set for a potential Test debut in Galle's spin-friendly conditions.
Nathan McSweeney has been recalled after being dropped during the India series, while teenage opener Sam Konstas retains his place following an impressive debut.
Regular captain Pat Cummins is on paternity leave and addressing an ankle issue, while Josh Hazlewood is sidelined with a calf injury.
Australia recently secured a 3-1 series win against India and has qualified for the World Test Championship final against South Africa in June.