SL vs AUS | Swepson set to play 1st Test, Travis Head doubtful

Australian red-ball captain Pat Cummins has confirmed that Mitchell Swepson will be partnering with Nathan Lyon in the first fixture of the bilateral Test series against Sri Lanka at Galle, starting 29 June (Wednesday). 

Experienced Victoria spinner Jon Holland is expected to earn a Test recall after playing his last international game in 2018. However, Holland sustained a painful cut to his left index finger ahead of the match against Sri Lanka A. Although he was able to pick two wickets, the 35-year-old has not yet recovered from the injury. 

Cummins seemed happy with Swepson ahead of the series. He reckons that despite the leg-spinner not picking up enough wickets in Pakistan, Swepson served as a vital member of the bowling unit. 

"We're really happy with 'Swepo'," said Cummins. 

"He is bowling beautifully and really ready for this one.” 

"I think his role here might be slightly different as well," said Cummins. "Pakistan we knew was going to be a slow grind and I thought he did his job despite not taking the wickets he would like. He was a really important cog in that bowling engine,” he added. 

Earlier this year, the Australia team secured a Test victory against Pakistan, with two spinners in the form of Nathan Lyon and Mitchell Swepson. They will hold the key for the visitors in this series as well. 

On the other hand, Travis Head is doubtful for this game due to a persistent hamstring injury sustained during the fourth fixture of the recently concluded series. 

If Head fails to pass the fitness test, Maxwell could don the Australia whites after five years, with the ability to contribute in both departments.

Left-arm pacer Mitchell Starc has recovered from the finger injury and is likely to be a part of the XI. In the last tour to Sri Lanka in 2016, Starc was the leading wicket-taker for Australia with 24 scalps. 

Australia Probable XI: Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith, Travis Head/Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green, Alex Carey (wk), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Swepson