January 4, 2025

Handscomb in Contention for Test Recall on Sri Lanka Tour

Victoria batter Peter Handscomb has joined Australia’s squad in Sydney to train and serve as a substitute fielder, positioning himself as a potential candidate for recall on the upcoming Test tour of Sri Lanka. Handscomb, who is not contracted for the BBL, is available to remain with the squad throughout the final Test against India.

Alongside Handscomb, spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann are also expected to be part of the Sri Lanka tour. Both will join the squad at various stages, with the team for the tour expected to be announced shortly after the conclusion of the India series.

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Peter Handscomb Eyes Test Recall for Sri Lanka Tour Amid Middle-Order Competition

Peter Handscomb, who last represented Australia during the 2023 tour of India, is in contention for a recall to the national team for the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. Known for his excellent record against spin, Handscomb played all four matches during the India series, amassing 145 runs with a top score of 72 not out in Delhi. Australia appeared set to win that Test before a dramatic second-innings collapse against R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja. Despite his success in subcontinent conditions, Handscomb has emphasized that he does not want to be pigeonholed solely as a player for such conditions, expressing a desire to play in home Tests as well.

Before the 2023-24 season, Handscomb spoke to cricket.com.au, explaining his preference for playing in Australia, where the conditions offer more pace and bounce. He acknowledged that being a good player of spin had helped him secure spots on subcontinent tours but also pointed out that he enjoys batting in Australian conditions, where his ability to play cuts and pulls would be valuable. His balanced approach to different playing conditions has kept his name in the mix for various upcoming tours, including Sri Lanka.

The structure of Australia’s middle order for the Sri Lanka tour could open up a vacancy, with Travis Head likely to be moved to the opening spot. This shift, combined with the possible inclusion of Sam Konstas in the Test squad, may further alter Australia’s plans. Another strong contender for a middle-order spot is Josh Inglis, an excellent player of spin, who is currently recovering from a calf strain but is expected to be fit for the tour. The competition for spots in the batting lineup remains fierce, with Handscomb and others vying for key positions.

Handscomb has had a solid record in Tests, having played 20 matches with an average of 37.20 since his debut in 2016. Despite being overlooked for the Australia A-India A four-day matches earlier this season, selectors have shown confidence in his abilities. He has enjoyed a prolific year in first-class cricket, ranking as the fifth-highest run-scorer globally in 2024, and has made 478 runs at an average of 47.80 in the current Sheffield Shield season. If Australia wins the ongoing Sydney Test, they will secure a spot in the World Test Championship final against South Africa; otherwise, they will need to win one of the Tests in Galle to qualify.

Sixers Maintain Top Spot After Washout Against Heat

The Big Bash League (BBL) match between the Sydney Sixers and Brisbane Heat in Coffs Harbour was abandoned due to rain, with no play taking place. Despite both teams having a lot at stake, the match was washed out just over an hour after it was scheduled to start, leaving rain as the only winner. As a result, both teams earned one point each, with the Sixers maintaining a three-point lead over second-placed Perth Scorchers, who were set to face Sydney Thunder later that day.

For Brisbane Heat, the washout saw them move up to fifth place on the points table. The Heat, who defeated the Sixers in last season’s final but lost to them in Brisbane last week, were disappointed that the match could not take place. Fans at the venue, who had arrived in large numbers, were also let down as the rain, which had already affected the area for hours, intensified and led to the abandonment.

The match had been particularly important for Heat, as Michael Neser was scheduled to make his comeback from a hamstring injury sustained almost two months ago during his time with Australia A. Additionally, wicketkeeper Tom Alsop was set to make his season debut for Heat. The team, which had lost three consecutive games before the washout, will next face Sydney Thunder in Brisbane on Monday, while the Sixers, coming off their first loss after four wins, will take on Melbourne Stars at the MCG next Thursday.

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