Peter Handscomb, Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann join Australia's squad

Peter Handscomb's chances of a Test recall in Sri Lanka have been given a significant boost after he was invited to join Australia's squad at the SCG.

Australia vs Sri Lanka Tour 1st Test: Jan 29 - Feb 2 (Galle)

2nd Test: Feb 6-10 (Galle)

One-off ODI: Feb 13 (Galle)

Australian officials confirmed on Friday that Handscomb, Todd Murphy and Matt Kuhnemann would join the squad for the fifth Test in Sydney.

Handscomb and Murphy will also act as emergency fielders, with each of the trio also able to train with coaching staff and do fitness check ins.

Handscomb does not have a Big Bash contract, while it's expected Murphy and Kuhnemann will be in Sydney between gaps in their side's BBL schedules.

Both Murphy and Kuhnemann are expected to head to Sri Lanka as spinners, with both Tests to be played on the turning wicket of Galle on January 29 and February 6.

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Murphy is considered the number two spinner in the country, while Kuhnemann offers the ability to turn the ball the other way as a left-armer.

But Handscomb's presence in Sydney is most notable.

The Victorian last played a Test match in the series finale in India in 2023 and is widely regarded as one of Australia's best players of spin.

There is also the potential for a gap in Australia's middle-order in Galle, if Travis Head is used to open the batting against Sri Lanka.

That would, however, require a big call from Australia's selectors in leaving out veteran Usman Khawaja or rising star Sam Konstas.

Australia are already likely to have one senior player miss at least part of the tour, with captain Pat Cummins' wife Becky due to give birth to the pair's second child.

AAP

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