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.

Glenn Maxwell's hopes of reviving his test career may be over after the all-rounder missed out on selection in Australia's much-changed squad for the Sri Lanka tour.

Steve Smith will lead the squad to Sri Lanka while regular skipper Pat Cummins is on leave as his wife awaits the birth of the couple’s second child. Australia’s selectors concentrated on spin for the two Sri Lanka tests, with uncapped 21-year-old Cooper Connolly among the seven full or part-time slow bowling options in the 16-man 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 has announced its squad for the upcoming two-Test match series in Sri Lanka, starting on January 29. The 16-member squad includes some fresh faces and notable omissions, with Steven Smith taking over as captain in Pat Cummins' absence.