Melbourne, July 4 (H.S.): As part of Australia’s new ODI team structure, Matt Renshaw has been appointed captain of the Australia-A 50-over team, while Jason Sangha will lead in four-day matches against Sri Lanka-A.

Sri Lanka-A is touring Australia for three ODIs and two four-day matches starting July 5 at Darwin’s Marara Oval, with four-day games scheduled for July 13 and 20. Despite Nathan McSweeney’s experience as the regular captain, the selectors aimed to provide leadership opportunities to Renshaw and Sangha, as explained by selection committee chairman George Bailey. Renshaw, 29, has only captained twice professionally, whereas 25-year-old Sangha has led New South Wales and Sydney Thunder, along with Australia in the Under-19 World Cup.

Renshaw’s reputation as a Test specialist is shifting due to his impressive domestic ODI performances, highlighted by six centuries in List A cricket and a strike rate of 112.69 in his last ten matches. With the 2027 ODI World Cup approaching and retirements impacting team dynamics, he emerges as a key contender, particularly with his left-handed batting style. Sangha also has a strong domestic record, scoring 704 runs in the Shield season, including a crucial 126* in the final. Other players like McSweeney, Curtis Patterson, and young talents Campbell Kellaway and Oliver Peek will also aim to impress the selectors. Former captain Tim Paine will serve as coach for Australia-A during this series.

Australia A one-day squad: Sam Elliott, Matt Gilkes, Bryce Jackson, Zanden Jeh, Campbell Kellaway, Nathan McSweeney, Ollie Peake, Josh Philippe, Jack Nisbet, Matt Renshaw (c), Jason Sangha, Liam Scott, Billy Stanlake, Henry Thornton

Sri Lanka A one-day squad: Kamil Mishara, Lahiru Udara (c), Lasith Croospulle, Pasindu Sooriyabandara, Nuwanidu Fernando, Pavan Rathnayake, Sahan Arachchige, Sonal Dinusha, Chamindu Wickramasinghe, Shiran Fernando, Isitha Wijesundara, Pramod Madushan, Mohamed Shiraz, Dushan Hemantha, Wanuja Sahan.

Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar