Steve Smith has been named Australia's captain for their tour of Sri Lanka.

Steve Smith, one of Australia's most accomplished cricketers, is set to lead the national team during their tour of Sri Lanka. This announcement comes as no surprise to cricket enthusiasts, given Smith's exceptional track record as both a batsman and a leader. His return to captaincy marks a significant chapter in his journey, one that has been defined by resilience, redemption, and remarkable talent.

Smith's appointment is a strategic decision, aimed at harnessing his vast experience and tactical acumen. The tour of Sri Lanka presents a unique set of challenges, from adapting to spin-friendly pitches to navigating the passionate crowds that throng the island's cricketing venues. Smith's calm demeanour and deep understanding of the game make him the ideal figure to steer the team through these testing conditions.

The Sri Lanka tour is crucial for Australia, not just in terms of results but also as an opportunity to fine-tune their strategies ahead of upcoming major tournaments. The team will face a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents in the Sri Lankan squad, making it an intriguing contest. For Smith, it is a chance to further cement his legacy, both as a player and as a leader who has triumphed over adversity.

Smith's return to the helm also reflects the trust the Australian cricketing fraternity places in him. After the well-documented events of 2018, Smith worked tirelessly to rebuild his career and reputation. His performances with the bat have been nothing short of stellar, proving his undiminished hunger for success. Now, as captain, he has the opportunity to inspire the next generation of Australian cricketers with his grit and determination.

For fans, the prospect of seeing Smith lead the side again evokes a sense of optimism. His leadership style is characterised by meticulous planning, quick adaptability, and a genuine passion for the sport. Whether it is guiding the bowlers on the field or anchoring the innings with his sublime batting, Smith's influence will be pivotal.

As Australia embark on this challenging tour, all eyes will be on Steve Smith. The Sri Lankan pitches may test his mettle, but if his past performances are any indication, Smith is more than ready to rise to the occasion. His journey from controversy to captaincy is a testament to his enduring spirit—a story that continues to inspire cricket lovers worldwide.

Steve Smith has been named Australia's captain for their tour of Sri Lanka. Pat Cummins is out on a paternity leave whilst also nursing an ankle issue which was "managed through the summer" said Cricket Australia. Josh Hazlewood is still on the sidelines with the injury that kept him out of the latter part of the series against India while Mitchell Marsh has been dropped.

SQUAD: Steve Smith, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Marnus Labuschagne, Travis Head, Alex Carey, Josh Inglis, Nathan McSweeney, Beau Webster, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Starc, Cooper Connolly, Todd Murphy, Matt Kuhneman, Sean Abbott, Scott Boland

The squad contains only three frontline pacers in Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Sean Abbott while the spin attack has been bolstered with both Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann picked to support Nathan Lyon.

Although he was out-of-favour by the end of the India series, batter Nathan McSweeney too finds a spot in the 16-man squad named for the two-Test series which will be played in Galle. Cooper Connolly, the left-handed batter who also bowls some orthodox spin has earned a maiden call-up.

"Sri Lanka is a challenging and exciting place to tour given the different conditions players may be presented with. This squad provides several ways to structure the XI depending on what type of wickets we may encounter in each match. We are excited about the opportunity ahead for the squad members who are at the start of their Test careers to continue to grow their games in subcontinent conditions where we have a number of important tours in coming years," chief selector George Bailey was quoted as saying.

Australia have already qualified for the World Test Championship final to be held in June, and this will be their last Test assignment before that.