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 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."

Australia announce stand-in captain for Sri Lanka series with Pat Cummins on paternity leave - Cummins is missing the series – which begins later this month – for the birth of his second child

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.

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.

Australia has announced its squad for the upcoming two-Test match series in Sri Lanka, starting on January 29. The 16-member squad includes some fresh faces and notable omissions, with Steven Smith taking over as captain in Pat Cummins' absence.