Australia’s men’s team officially begins life under the head coaching of Andrew McDonald on Tuesday night.
But, ironically, McDonald will miss the opening match of the Sri Lanka tour as he recovers from COVID-19 at home.
The Aussies head to Sri Lanka for the 10-match multi-format series in what will be their first assignment since McDonald was named as Justin Langer’s successor. McDonald was interim head coach for the tour of South Africa.
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The tour kicks off on Tuesday night with the first of three Twenty20 games.
Out-of-form captain Aaron Finch has retained his spot in the side, as questions continue to be raised over his ability to lead Australia to the T20 World Cup later this year.
The other selection which has caused some commentary is Steve Smith.
While he’s one of the best batters on the planet, Smith’s spot in the Twenty20 team has also been questioned in recent months.
Josh Inglis, 27, was considered a strong chance of ousting the more experienced Smith from the team, and he may yet do.
“He’s so close, he’s been really stiff,” Finch said of Inglis.
“Every chance he’s had he’s taken with both hands, and he’s a super-talented young player.
“He’s shown his ability to float throughout the order in international and domestic cricket. There’ll be an opportunity for Josh at some point.”
As made clear by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, Smith averages 18.63 with a strike rate of 110.21 in his last 15 Twenty20 internationals.
In the six appearances Inglis has made for Australia he averages 35.80 at a strike rate 145.52.
Inglis would play the same role as Smith – a floating batter who can be thrown into the game depending on the context of the innings.
Australia team for first T20I: David Warner, Aaron Finch (c), Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood
Here’s everything you need to know about Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka.
THE SCHEDULE
(All times are in AEST)
June 7: First T20I at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, 11.30pm
June 8: Second T20I at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, 11.30pm
June 11: Third T20I at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, 11.30pm
June 14: First ODI at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, 6.30pm
June 16: Second ODI at Pallekele International Cricket Stadium in Kandy, 6.30pm
June 19: Third ODI at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, 6.30pm
June 21: Fourth ODI at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, 6.30pm
June 24: Fifth ODI at R Premadasa Stadium in Colombo, 6.30pm
June 29: First Test at Galle International Stadium in Galle, 2.30pm
July 8: Second Test at Galle International Stadium in Galle, 2.30pm
HOW TO WATCH
The tour will be broadcast in Australia on Fox Sports and on Kayo.
You can also keep up to date with live scores and news at Wide World of Sports.
AUSTRALIAN SQUADS
Twenty20: Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner, Matthew Wade
ODI: Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
Test: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner
AUSTRALIA A TOUR
An Australia A squad will also tour Sri Lanka concurrently with the main group.
They play two one-day games in Colombo on June 8 and June 10, and then two first-class matches in Hambantota on June 14-17 and June 21-24.
Squad: Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Pete Handscomb, Aaron Hardie, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Henry Hunt, Josh Inglis, Matthew Kuhnemann, Nic Maddinson, Todd Murphy, Josh Philippe, Matt Renshaw, Jhye Richardson, Tanveer Sangha, Mark Steketee
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