Steven Smith Rested, David Warner to Captain Australia in Sri Lanka

Steven Smith has been rested for the remainder of the series against Sri Lanka as Australia's selectors aim to keep the skipper fresh ahead of the five-match ODI series against South Africa and also for a hectic 2016/17 home summer. In Smith's absence, David Warner will captain Australia for the first time.

In a statement released by Cricket Australia, chairman of selectors Rod Marsh said the plan to rest Smith was discussed before the start of the Sri Lanka series.

"Smith has a large amount of cricket coming up in the next 12 months and we wanted to find a time for him to freshen up and these last five matches provide a good opportunity to do so. Regardless of the results of the first two matches, our plan was always for Steve to take a break and refresh ahead of the ODI Series against South Africa next month," Marsh said.

Commenting on Warner's appointment as skipper, Marsh said, "This is a great leadership opportunity for David, he has really embraced his role as vice-captain and we are confident he will do a great job in Steve's place."

Smith, who is Australia's captain across all formats, said, "I hate missing cricket, but in the long run it will do me a world of good. The schedule is very busy. I still want to take on the role in all three formats and do it to the best of my ability."

Australia have not enjoyed a good time in their current series against Sri Lanka. After being whitewashed 3-0 in the Test series, the five-time World Cup champions bounced back in the first ODI with a three-wicket win but lost by a huge 82-run margin in the second ODI.

No place for Nathan Coulter-Nile

The selection panel also named the Twenty20 squad for the Sri Lanka series and there was no place for Nathan Coulter-Nile and Matthew Wade. The Australian fast bowler has been ruled out of the tour due to a lower back injury.

Cricket Australia physiotherapist David Beakley said Coulter-Nile had been experiencing gradual increase in his lower back pain and that has prevented him from bowling at full intensity.

Following the Sri Lanka tour, Australia will play five ODIs against South Africa starting from September 27, followed by a hectic home summer that will see them play a total of six Tests versus South Africa and Pakistan. They will also play ODIs against Pakistan, New Zealand and Sri Lanka.

Twenty20 Squad:

David Warner (captain), Scott Boland, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, John Hastings, Travis Head, Moises Henriques, Chris Lynn, Shaun Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Adam Zampa