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,

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.

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.

Australia recalled opener Nathan McSweeney and called up all-rounder Cooper Connolly on Thursday for the first time in a spin-heavy Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, with Steve Smith captain.

Cooper Connolly could have a shot at his Test debut after being named in Australia's squad to tour Sri Lanka later this month.

Glenn Maxwell's hopes of reviving his test career may be over after the all-rounder missed out on selection in Australia's much-changed squad for the Sri Lanka tour.

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.

Australia is set to take on Sri Lanka in two Test matches and a one-off One Day International. The action kicks off on January 29 with the first Test.

Australian selectors have elected to pick a youthful 16-man Test squad for the side's tour of Sri Lanka, which begins later this month.

Check out the 16-member squad of Australia released by Cricket Australia to feature in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, only on CricTracker.