Steve Smith has been appointed the captain of the Australian cricket team for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The move comes in the wake of Pat Cummins's paternity leave and persistent ankle issue. Cricket Australia confirmed Cummins's condition had been "managed through the summer."

Steve Smith has been named Australia's captain for their tour of Sri Lanka without regular skipper Pat Cummins, said Cricket Australia. Mitchell Starc leads the pace attack in an otherwise spin-heavy squad.

Nathan McSweeney has been recalled to Australia’s test squad to tour Sri Lanka less than three weeks after being dropped from the top order.

Right-hand batter Steve Smith has been appointed as the interim skipper of the national side as team Australia announced a 16-player squad for their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which will begin on January 29.

Nathan McSweeney was axed after three Tests, now he is back in Australia's squad with some strong words of endorsement from chief selector George Bailey.

Australia has announced its squad for the upcoming two-Test match series in Sri Lanka, starting on January 29. The 16-member squad includes some fresh faces and notable omissions, with Steven Smith taking over as captain in Pat Cummins' absence.