SL vs AUS: Sean Abbott ruled out of series with finger injury

Australian all-rounder Sean Abbott has been ruled out of the Sri Lanka tour after fracturing his finger in the nets. He was part of the squad when Australia toured Pakistan in the historic series. Australia will play hosts Sri Lanka in three T20Is followed by five ODIs and two Test matches.

Abbott was not included in the playing XI of the first game, but was a vital member of the squad. He was scheduled to join the Australia A team for the four-day matches after the conclusion of the T20I series as he is not in the ODI squad.

Speaking of the Australian A team, Peter Handscomb left the touring party to join his wife in Melbourne as the two are expecting their first child. Handscomb had opted out of the County Championship in order to play for Australia A in the Sri Lanka series.

Scott Boland, Jimmy Peirson named replacement for Abbott and Handscomb

Scott Boland has been called up as Abbott’s replacement and will be flying to Sri Lanka to join the team as early as possible as he will be required in the side for the four-day matches that are scheduled ahead of the Test series. He was initially scheduled to come later in the month, as the players who are involved only in the Tests were not required to travel early.

Queensland wicketkeeper Jimmy Peirson will replace Handscomb in Australia A squad. If Josh Inglis is invited to play the ODI series, the Australia A team will require a specialist wicketkeeper-batter, and thus Peirson’s inclusion. Australia’s A team, led by Alex Carey, will be facing Sri Lanka in the first 50-over game on Wednesday.

Australia A XI for Wednesday: Henry Hunt, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Nic Maddinson, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (capt, wk), Aaron Hardie, Mark Steketee, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Tanveer Sangha