Peter Handscomb expected to get test recall for Sri Lanka series due to his ability to play the spinners well.
Peter Handscomb is a strong contender to be included in Australia’s squad for their Test tour of Sri Lanka later this month. The Victoria batter joined the team in Sydney for the final match against India as a substitute fielder.
Handscomb is free to stay with the team during the final Test because he does not have a BBL contract. Spinners Todd Murphy and Matthew Kuhnemann, who are both anticipated to be included in the Sri Lanka tour squad, will join him at different points in time. The squad will be announced soon after the India series is over.
Handscomb, who played all four games during Australia’s 2023 tour of India, is considered a subcontinent specialist due to his skill against spin. With a peak score of 72 not out in Delhi, he amassed 145 runs in that series. Australia was in a strong position to win the Test match until collapsing in the second innings against R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
He has, however, previously stated that he does not wish to be limited to being a batter under specific circumstances. Before the 2023–24 season began, he stated, “I’d like to play some home Tests,” after his experiences in India.
Previously, speaking to cricket.com.au in 2022, Handscomb said. “If [being a good player of spin] does help me get on subcontinent tours. Which it has been done before, then that’s great. But also don’t forget I do like batting in Australia as well. Where it is fast and bouncy and I can play a few cuts and pulls if need be.”
Travis Head has been designated to fill the middle order gap. However, Sam Konstas’ switch to the Test side may change the plans. It depends on how Australia arranges their team in Sri Lanka. Another option for playing as a specialist batsman in Sri Lanka is Josh Inglis, who is also a superb spinner. He is anticipated to be healthy for the tour despite still recovering from the calf pain he sustained while fielding at the MCG.
Since making his debut in 2016, Handscomb has played 20 Test matches overall, averaging 37.20.