Aussie Test squad clearer as call re-ignites key battle; prodigy puts Maxi dream at risk
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Matthew Kuhnemann and Todd Murphy are set to be picked in Australia’s Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, while Nathan McSweeney will reportedly be recalled.
That is according to
Code Sports, which reports that selectors will on Thursday name a squad that includes at least three frontline spinners in Nathan Lyon, Kuhnemann and Murphy, while McSweeney is in line to return.
A report by
Sydney Morning Herald adds that Mitchell Marsh will not make the tour, having been dropped for Beau Webster in Sydney.
Both Murphy and Kuhnemann played with Lyon in three Tests during the tour of India in 2023.
Murphy sensationally look 7-124 in his debut innings while he was also part of that year’s Ashes series, taking his Test numbers to 21 wickets at 25.42.
Kuhnemann only has under his belt that series in India, where he struggled to break through either side of a stunning 5-16 in Indore.
Kuhnemann was called-up to be around Australia’s Test squad in Sydney along with Murphy and Peter Handscomb, who is firming for his own re-call.
Cooper Connolly is another name who has firmed in selection talks with the young left-armer a strong chance to be included in the squad.
The 21-year-old all-rounder has shown impressive form with the bat in the Big Bash this summer, and offers left-arm orthodox spin. While selection in Australia’s XI may be out of reach, it’s thought that the tour is a strong opportunity for the young gun to have more exposure to the international set-up and aid the nation’s succession planning.
It’s unclear if his potential selection would come at the expense of Glenn Maxwell, who is still without a Test appearance since 2017’s tour of Bangladesh.
Maxwell has made no secret of his desire to return to the Test arena, but hasn’t played a first class match since July 2023.
Meanwhile, the return of McSweeney adds extra intrigue around Australia’s opener dilemma heading into the series.
McSweeney was dropped after three Tests against India this summer with Sam Konstas taking his place.
Konstas’ first two Tests excited, but failed to make him a long-term lock. Usman Khawaja, meanwhile, has been out of form, but has become one of Australia’s strongest players of spin.
Making the situation more complex is the potential for Travis Head to move up the order, as he did in India in 2023, and leave a vacancy in the middle-order instead.
