NEW DELHI: Steven Smith's return to captaincy for Australia's Sri Lanka tour presents an opportunity for him to share his sub-continental expertise with the team's emerging players.
With Pat Cummins away on paternity leave, Smith has been appointed captain for the two-Test series in the sub-continent.
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Australia has maintained its focus on nurturing young talent for the future, following their qualification for the World Test Championship final.
The Baggy Greens have identified promising young talents in Nathan McSweeney, Cooper Connolly and Sam Konstas, who have demonstrated their potential in recent performances.
As one of Australia's most seasoned players, Smith is enthusiastic about guiding and mentoring the next generation of cricketers.
"I'll try and pass on as much knowledge as I can. I've played a lot of cricket in the subcontinent, so I know those conditions really well. We've got a good little training camp in Dubai where we can control the wickets and what they do," Smith told Fox Sports.
The Asian pitches are anticipated to maintain their traditional characteristics, offering substantial assistance to spin bowlers. Smith anticipates his teammates will develop strategies to handle Sri Lankan spinners effectively.
"Hopefully, we'll get them spinning a lot, and guys will be able to develop different plans to come up with to counter their spinners. The back end of my career is about helping those young kids and trying to help them find a way to be successful in all conditions around the world," he added.
The series comprises two Tests in Galle, with the first match starting on January 29, and the second beginning on February 6.
Australia Squad: Steve Smith (c), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (vc), Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.
