Travis Head Likely to Captain Australia in Sri Lanka Test Series as Steve Smith Faces Fitness Doubts

Australia looks set to make Travis Head their captain for the Test series against Sri Lanka in case Steve Smith does not get fit in time. Smith, the former Australian skipper, injured his elbow during a Big Bash League training session and doubts his availability for the series. He replaces Pat Cummins as captain of the team. Pat Cummins would sit out this series because his second child arrives and he's still recovering from ankle soreness. With limited leadership options, Head may actually get to lead the Aussies on home soil.

Travis Head was promoted to vice-captain last year after he had sealed his place in Australia's playing XI. And now, soon, he could be the full-time captain for Australia. During the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, which Australia won 3-1 at home, Head was Pat Cummins' deputy. Although Steve Smith is expected to join the team this week, the details of his elbow injury remain unknown. If the series becomes Steve Smith-less, then Head will take over the captaincy duties for what is going to be a quite important contest against Sri Lanka.

Travis Head had already been selected as Steve Smith's deputy on the Sri Lanka tour, positioning him to slip into the top job if required. Australia returned home having wrapped up their top spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) final to face South Africa at Lord's in June. The Aussies, as the defending WTC champions, having defeated India in the final of the last cycle, are looking to carry their winning form into this series. A strong performance against Sri Lanka will be crucial as they look to carry their form into the much-awaited showdown at Lord's.

“Smith is preparing to join the test squad in Dubai later this week following further specialist input. Further updates will be shared as they are known,” stated an official press release from Cricket Australia.