Mitchell Marsh is set to be dropped from Australia’s Test squad for the upcoming tour of Sri Lanka, part of the 2023-25 ​​World Test Championship. Cooper Connolly and Glenn Maxwell According to The Sydney Morning Herald, they are in contention to make the all-round team along with Beau Webster.
Australia are set to announce their Test squad series It will begin in Sri Lanka on January 29 at the Galle International Stadium. Given the expected spin-friendly conditions, the Men in Wraps can rely on a front three, with Travis Head also providing part-time off-spin options for the team.
Mitchell Marsh will be dropped from the squad for the upcoming Test Series
The selectors are also expected to include 21-year-old all-rounder Cooper Connolly in the squad along with lanky Pete Handscomb. Connolly, who has already represented Australia in white-ball cricket and has only played four first-class games so far, is seen as a future Test prospect.
Beau Webster is likely to remain in the team and it could spell the end of Mitchell Marsh’s Test career. Glenn Maxwell is also an outside contender for selection due to his subcontinent experience. The squad is expected to be announced soon, giving Maxwell a clearer picture of his Test future.
It will be really tough for Mitchell Marsh to get back into the side now – Aaron Finch
Former Australian opener Aaron Finch Mitchell Marsh believes he may have played his last Test. Finch said there is little cricket left in the current summer Cameron Green Returning in March, Marsh will have a hard time regaining his spot. Finch believes Marsh is unlikely to play Test cricket again.
“I think it’s going to be really difficult for Mitch (Mitchell Marsh) to come back into the side now,” Finch said on ESPN’s Around the Wicket show. “This summer, with Cameron Green coming back in early March, there’s not a lot of cricket left to force a job. For me it will be difficult (he will play again).
Cooper Connolly has played four first-class matches for Western Australia but has an impressive batting average of 61.8 from six overs. He plays orthodox left-arm spin in white-ball cricket but is yet to score more than 16 wickets. He leads the Big Bash with 272 runs at an average of 54.4.
Nathan McSweeney, Matthew Kuhnemann, Todd Murphy to be recalled for Sri Lanka tour
Nathan Lyon is guaranteed a place in Australia’s squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, while Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann are in contention for a recall. Kuhnemann is a particularly interesting choice because it offers a different spin option. He was part of the Australian team during the 2023 India series.
Kuhnemann hasn’t played since, with the selectors favoring Murphy as a backup shortstop. Kuhnemann scored nine goals in three Test matches. Murphy is also expected to take part. Both spinners are likely to feature in the squad to be announced, but Kuhnemann could find a place in the XI.
Nathan McSweeney is also set for a recall for the Sri Lanka tour after being dropped from the Test squad midway through the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy after failing with the bat in the first few matches.
