Australia will have to play the limited-overs series against Sri Lanka with a depleted squad as Sean Abbott and Peter Handscomb have been ruled out before the first T20I. Abbott has been ruled out after breaking his index finger during net session. The fast bowler's index finger got fractured as a net bowler's delivery struck him on the hand.
Abbott, who was in Sunrisers Hyderabad's (SRH) camp in the recently-concluded Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022, was part of Australia's T20I squad only. Also, he was expected to play in the A side which is scheduled to play two List A (50-over) games and two four-day games in Colombo and Hambantota.
In addition, Peter Handscomb, who was a part of India A squad will fly back home to Melbourne and take care of his pregnant wife Sarah. Handscomb has been replaced by Queensland wicketkeeper-batter Jimmy Peirson in the A squad.
On the other hand, Abbott’s replacement has not been named by Cricket Australia. Abbott was not a part of the playing XI announced for the first T20I at R.Premadasa Stadium, Colombo.
However, Jhye Richardson is the designated reserve fast bowler in the squad. Also, the selectors may pick someone from India A squad as his replacement.
Scott Boland has been called up as well for the upcoming four-day matches. Australia A will play two Four-day games before the two-Test series. Earlier, he was supposed to come later this month with the remaining members of Test squad.
Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey and Cameron Green have got some game time as well. They have been named in the Australia A XI for the 50-over games. Carey will captain Australia A on June 8. The two matches will work as preparation for the three-ODI series that will begin on June 14.
Australia Playing XI for 1st T20I: Aaron Finch (c), David Warner, Mitch Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Steve Smith, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade (wk), Ashton Agar, Mitchell Starc, Kane Richardson, Josh Hazlewood.
Australia A XI (List A): Henry Hunt, Josh Philippe, Matthew Renshaw, Nic Maddinson, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (c), Aaron Hardie, Mark Steketee, Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann, Tanveer Sangha
