Aaron Finch dropped by Australia for Sri Lanka Test series

Australia have named their Test squad for the home series against Sri Lanka, with Aaron Finch, both Marsh brothers and Peter Handscomb dropped.

National selector Trevor Hohns has rung the changes following the team’s failure to live up to the standard of India, who clinched a maiden Test series victory in Australia with a draw at the SCG last week.

Hohns and the selectors have turned to untested 20-year-old batsman Will Pucovski for the two Tests to be played against Dinesh Chandimal’s tourists, while openers Matt Renshaw and Joe Burns are both recalled.

“Ultimately Aaron, Peter, Shaun and Mitch have not produced the performances expected of them with the bat at Test level,” Hohns said. “They have been given good opportunity but have not produced the scores we need.

“Will Pucovski is an exciting young player who is making his mark in the Sheffield Shield,” said Australia selector Trevor Hohns added. “He is a player with a track record of making centuries. We look forward to him joining the squad.”

Pucovski took a break from the sport late last year due to mental health issues. Prior to this decision the right-handed batsman drew national attention when he scored 243 for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield.

Pucovski could be in line for his debut when the first Test gets underway at the Gabba on January 24.

Australia Test squad for series against Sri Lanka:

Australia: Marcus Harris, Joe Burns, Matthew Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Will Pucovksi, Marnus Labuschagne, Tim Paine (captain), Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Siddle