Aussie Cricket Squad for Tour of Sri Lanka-by Tony Harper Source:Thuppahis Steve Smith will lead the Australian cricket squad for the two Test tour of Sri Lanka while Pat Cummins is on paternity leave and focusing on an ankle issue which he endured through the series win over India. Josh Hazlewood misses out with his calf injury while Mitchell Marsh was omitted, with both focussing on the Champion’s Trophy which immediately follows the Sri Lanka tour. There was also no room for Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell or Adam Zampa who had all harboured outside hopes of a call-up. There is a first Test squad call up for all-rounder Cooper Connolly who bowls left-arm spin and can potentially slot into the No.6 position as the Australian team starts planning for Nathan Lyon’s eventual retirement. Cooper Connolly of Perth Scorchers hits a boundary. (Photo by Philip Brown/Getty Images) The 21-year-old played four white-ball matches for ...

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Nathan McSweeney and Shan Masood shared their views at captains call in Manuka Shan Masood: Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, expressed his enthusiasm for a series that is expected to showcase thrilling cricket. Masood emphasized the need to accelerate the scoring rate, highlighting the importance of putting runs on the board quickly. He emphasized that the key to success lies in the bowlers taking twenty wickets, a strategy that aligns with their game plans. Masood conveyed confidence in Pakistan’s bowling options, citing the inclusion of Wasim Jr for his ability to exploit reverse swing in Sydney. He praised domestic performers Khurram Shahzad and Mir Hamza, emphasizing their potential to make an impact. In terms of the batting lineup, Masood announced Abdullah Shafiq and Imam-ul-Haq as the opening pair, with Babar Azam set to bat at number four. The captain also hinted at the preference for Sarfraz Ahmed over Mohammad Rizwan. Masood ...

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Strong PM’s XI squad named to face Pakistan Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Cricket Australia’s National Selection Panel (NSP) have named the men’s squad for the Prime Minister’s XI match against Pakistan in Canberra. South Australian batter Nathan McSweeney will captain a strong squad which features six players with experience at Test level. Cameron Bancroft (505 runs), Beau Webster (487) and McSweeney (456) are the current leading Marsh Sheffield Shield run scorers, while Queensland quicks Mark Steketee and Michael Neser combined for 78 wickets last season. Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Todd Murphy, Jimmy Peirson and Matthew Renshaw all featured in Australia’s Test squad during the recent Ashes campaign in England. Thilan Samaraweera has been named Head Coach of the side after previously working with Australia A and Australia’s male underage pathway squads. The playing squad will be supported throughout the match by local ACT Premier cricketers who will have the ...

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