Ashton Agar ruled out of second Test, Jon Holland added to squad
Holland had been a chance to play the first Test but an injured finger halted that
AAP
02-Jul-2022
Ashton Agar has not recovered from the injury sustained in the one-day series • Associated Press
Ashton Agar's hopes of an Australian Test recall in Sri Lanka are over after failing to recover from a side strain.
Agar was ruled out of the second Test on Saturday morning with Australia bringing Jon Holland into their 17-man squad.
He had been considered a serious chance of playing in the series in Sri Lanka despite not featuring in a Test since 2017. He was hurt in Australia's opening one-day international three weeks ago.
Agar's absence means Mitchell Swepson will likely keep his spot when the second Test starts on Friday. Legspinner Swepson claimed three wickets in the first innings of the opening Test and two in the second as Australia posted a 10-wicket win.
"I was really happy with Swepo," Australia's captain Pat Cummins said. "A couple of key breakthroughs in the first innings and then [on Friday], top order wickets. Really valuable.He controlled the tempo of the game, he had some batters come really hard at him. I thought he bowled beautifully."
Holland's inclusion in the squad comes after a finger injury. Also rated a chance to play in Galle as part of the wider touring party, Holland was not considered as he battled discomfort. His injury has healed, leaving him some chance to play his first Test since 2018 in the series finale.