Australia vs Sri Lanka: The Aussie selectors drop some bombshells; announce a new-look Test squad

The Australian selectors were forced to take some tough calls after the poor result against India. Hence, for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, many surprise calls were made. Australia will not play in the longest format of the game after this series until the World Cup 2019.

By then, the duo of Steve Smith and David Warner are expected to be back in the fold. Hence, for the Sri Lanka Tests, the selectors decided to try out a few youngsters. Senior players like Aaron Finch, Peter Handscomb, the Marsh brothers – Shaun and Mitchell were all dropped from the side.

Matt Renshaw, Joe Burns given lifelines

Matt Renshaw and Joe Burns have played 11 and 14 Tests respectively. These players have been terrific performers in domestic cricket. However, they haven’t yielded the same kind of shows while playing at the highest level and were thus dropped. But, the selectors now decided to give them another lifeline keeping the future prospects in mind.

With the new-comer Marcus Harris retained, it remains unsure if both of them will fit in the same XI. Marnus Labuchange retained his spot in the side. Travis Head and Usman Khawaja are the other two batsmen who will continue in the squad. Tim Paine will remain the leader of the side and will also take the wicket-keeping responsibilities.

Twenty-year-old Victorian batsman Will Pucovski is the most surprising addition into the squad. He plundered 243 runs against Western Australia in October last year. However, he took a six-week break from international cricket after that citing personal reasons. Since his debut, Will scored 588 runs in eight games at an average of 49. The youngster could well be in the line for a debut against the Lankans.

Squad: Tim Paine (c/wk), Josh Hazlewood (vc), Joe Burns, Pat Cummins, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Will Pucovski, Matt Renshaw, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle.

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