Former captain Steve Smith will once again lead Australia this month, having been named skipper in the absence of Pat Cummins, who is on paternity leave. Smith will lead Australia in their three-match series against Sri Lanka,

Australia have announced the 16-man squad that will travel to Sri Lanka for the two-match Test series. Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh are the notable absentees from the squad.

Cummins’ decision to step back for personal reasons is emblematic of a broader shift in modern cricket.

Cricket Australia officials are unsure about the severity of Pat Cummins' ankle injury, or whether he will be fit to return for Australia's first match in the Champions Trophy in Pakistan on February 22.

Pat Cummins will miss the tour of Sri Lanka for the birth of his second child, with Steve Smith leading the side in his absence.

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.

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.