After belting a typically incredible 90 from 52 balls for the Melbourne Stars, Glenn Maxwell concedes he would have made the same call as Australian selectors in opting for youth when picking the Sri Lanka tour squad.

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.

Australia recalled opener Nathan McSweeney and called up all-rounder Cooper Connolly on Thursday for the first time in a spin-heavy Test squad for the tour of Sri Lanka, with Steve Smith captain.

Australian selectors have elected to pick a youthful 16-man Test squad for the side's tour of Sri Lanka, which begins later this month.

Steven Smith will captain in the two Tests with Pat Cummins remaining at home for the birth of his second child and to manage an ankle injury

Australia’s squad for two Tests in Sri Lanka will be officially unveiled later on Thursday, and some surprising names have emerged.