Australian selectors are likely to err on the side of caution by leaving Josh Hazlewood out of the Test tour of Sri Lanka, while several stars have been ruled out of the Big Bash due to workload management.
Hazlewood, who missed the last two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar series after injuring his calf during the third Test at the Gabba, said last month he was targeting a return for Australia’s first tour of Sri Lanka since 2022.
However, according to multiple sources with knowledge of selection speaking on the condition of anonymity, Hazlewood is “unlikely” to play the red ball matches in Sri Lanka.
The fact Australia have already qualified for the World Test Championship final – against South Africa at Lord’s in June – means selectors don’t need to rush Hazlewood back into the XI for the two fixtures against Sri Lanka.
Hazlewood might have struggled to get a game even if fully fit, given Mitchell Starc and the in-form Scott Boland have become almost impossible to drop. NSW allrounder Sean Abbott, who has been an unused member of the Test squad this summer, will be in the touring party.
Selectors will meet on Wednesday to finalise their squad, which could include up to 16 players for the Test component. An announcement is expected on Thursday.
Josh Hazlewood bowling during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Credit: AAP
Captain Pat Cummins has indicated he won’t be available for part or all of the tour. That will be determined by when his wife, Becky, gives birth to their second child, as well as how Cummins’ body pulls up from the rigours of five consecutive Tests against India.
Cummins and Starc were picked as Australia’s only two frontline fast bowlers for the Sri Lanka tour three years ago, which finished 1-1.
Selectors will also pick a white ball squad for the Champions Trophy, which takes place in Pakistan and the UAE from February 19 to March 9.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Tuesday that Hazlewood and five other Test stars will be made unavailable for the remainder of this year’s Big Bash tournament to keep them fresh for forthcoming international commitments.
Nathan Lyon won’t feature in the Big Bash. Credit: Getty Images
Cummins (Sydney Thunder), Hazlewood (Sydney Sixers), Boland (Melbourne Stars), Starc (Sydney Sixers), Travis Head (Adelaide Strikers) and Nathan Lyon (Melbourne Renegades) will all sit out the entire home and away Big Bash season, which runs until January 19.
Lyon is expected to play a major role in Sri Lanka, having bowled a marathon 64 overs in the only innings of Australia’s last Test in Galle three years ago.
The 37-year-old, who took nine wickets against India across five Tests, has been dealing with a hip complaint and had it looked at on Monday, a day after Australia’s series win at the SCG.
CA is confident Lyon will be fit for both Sri Lanka Tests. He could be partnered by off-spinner Todd Murphy or left-arm orthodox tweaker Matthew Kuhnemann, who are shaping as the most likely spinners to join Lyon in the touring squad.
Sam Konstas hits out for the Sydney Thunder.Credit: Getty Images
“We have worked with each player to form individualised plans which will best support recovery from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and preparation for upcoming international commitments,” Cricket Australia’s manager of national teams Ben Oliver said on Tuesday. “A five-Test match series is gruelling, and this was amplified by the intensity of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
“The players and staff deserve great credit for their preparation and management which has enabled sustained performance through what is a full international schedule.”
Abbott (Sydney Sixers), Alex Carey (Adelaide Strikers), Sam Konstas (Sydney Thunder), Mitchell Marsh (Perth Scorchers), Jhye Richardson (Perth Scorchers) and Beau Webster (Melbourne Stars) will take part in upcoming BBL matches.
Steve Smith will be available for the Sydney Sixers for three matches, starting on Saturday against the Perth Scorchers at the SCG. CA has been cautious with Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne, only letting them play one BBL match for the Brisbane Heat on January 16.
Possible Test squad for Sri Lanka: Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Travis Head, Nathan McSweeney, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Peter Handscomb, Beau Webster, Alex Carey, Sean Abbott, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Jhye Richardson.
