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.

Steve Smith has been named Australia's captain for their tour of Sri Lanka without regular skipper Pat Cummins, said Cricket Australia. Mitchell Starc leads the pace attack in an otherwise spin-heavy squad.

Steve Smith has been appointed the captain of the Australian cricket team for their upcoming tour of Sri Lanka. The move comes in the wake of Pat Cummins's paternity leave and persistent ankle issue. Cricket Australia confirmed Cummins's condition had been "managed through the summer."

Right-hand batter Steve Smith has been appointed as the interim skipper of the national side as team Australia announced a 16-player squad for their two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, which will begin on January 29.

Australia's regular captain Pat Cummins will miss the Sri Lanka tour to remain at home for the birth of his second child and will also manage his ankle injury. Meanwhile, Steve Smith has been named the captain for the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.

Nathan McSweeney was recalled to Australia’s test squad on Thursday to tour Sri Lanka, less than three weeks after being dropped from the top order. Australia’s selectors announced their squad Thursday for the two-test tour,

Nathan McSweeney who was dropped from the Australian squad in the middle of the series against India has been recalled

World Test champions Australia will play a two-match Test series against Sri Lanka, starting at Galle on January 29.