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What will the Australian test side look like in Sri Lanka?

Burns, Khawaja and Warner - the future of Australian cricket. (AAP Image/Julian Smith)
Roar Guru
10th May, 2016
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Later this year the Australian cricket team will head to Sri Lanka for three Test matches.

The series will be important because it is Australia’s first tour to the subcontinent under the captaincy of Steve Smith. Australia will also be hoping for their first Test series victory on the subcontinent since 2011 when they played Sri Lanka.

The top five of Dave Warner, Joe Burns, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith and Adam Voges all performed exceptionally well over the summer and all are certain to retain their spots.

Peter Nevill will keep, while Josh Hazlewood, Mitch Starc and Nate Lyon will be the three of the four bowlers who play.

That leaves two spots available: the number six spot and the final bowling spot.

The number six spot will go to either Glenn Maxwell or Mitchell Marsh. The contenders for the final bowling spot are James Pattinson and spinner Steve O’Keefe. Of the other fast bowlers who played in Australia’s last Test series in New Zealand, Peter Siddle is injured while Jackson Bird’s bowling technique does not suit subcontinental conditions.

The touring side should also consist of one reserve spin bowler in O’Keefe, one reserve all rounder in Mitch Marsh, two reserve fast bowlers and two reserve batsmen.

From his two Sheild matches this season John Hastings took ten wickets at an average of 14.7. Joe Mennie was the leading wicket taker with 51 wickets. If Hastings is unable to recover from his injury, Chadd Sayers should come in.

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In his last Test match Shaun Marsh scored a century and was extremely unlucky to be dropped and will continue the role he had in New Zealand as the reserve batsman. Peter Handscomb should go as the second reserve batsman, as he is a potential replacement for Adam Voges when retires and this tour will give him international experience.

Australian team for Sri Lanka

1. David Warner
2. Joe Burns
3. Usman Khawaja
4. Steve Smith
5. Adam Voges
6. Glenn Maxwell
7. Peter Nevil
8. Mitch Starc
9. James Pattinson
10. Josh Hazlewood
11. Nathan Lyon

Reserves:
Steve O’Keefe
Mitch Marsh
John Hastings
Joe Mennie
Shaun Marsh
Peter Handscomb

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