The funfair of Australian cricket selection continues to entertain, with the announcement of a 15-man squad for the forthcoming three Test tour to Sri Lanka.

The carousel of spinners continues to turn with South Australia's right-arm off-spinner Nathan Lyon the latest to be handed a ride. The 23-year-old bolter joins left-arm finger spinner Michael Beer, retained in the squad following his debut in the final Ashes Test, where he took 1-112 off 38 overs at the SCG.

Neither holds a central contract (issued just six weeks ago) unlike Nathan Hauritz, Jason Krejza and Xavier Doherty, none of whom are part of the touring party. Of the omitted three, an explanation was offered only for Krejza, with Andrew Hilditch suggesting the Tasmanian was outbowled by both Beer and Lyon during Australia A's recent tour to Zimbabwe.

The uncapped Shaun Marsh and James Pattinson are other notable inclusions on the baggy green rollercoaster. Their recent central-contract awards signalled both selections, unlike the surprise call-up of uncontracted NSW paceman Trent Copeland. The accurate right-arm fast-medium bowler is rewarded for a stellar couple of years in Shield cricket and an encouraging A tour. His selection sends Ben Hilfenhaus to the house of horrors, where he is joined by Doug Bollinger, who Hilditch not very subtly implied was unfit for the rigors of modern Test cricket.

Also ejected from the wrong end of the helter-skelter is Steve Smith, the all-rounder not selected for a tour his part-time spin would appear to suit. The message to him was clear, earn a place as either a genuine top-six batsman or a genuine frontline spinner because bits-and-pieces will no longer do.

Usman Khawaja retains his place in the side after an encouraging start to his Test career last summer, but may not be a walk-up start following an underwhelming A tour in which the ambitions of rivals were advanced further. One of those competing for a spot in the top six, Phil Hughes, excelled in Africa, striking two centuries in just four innings for an average of 80. He has been assured of the openers slot alongside Shane Watson, reinforcing the decision not to award Simon Katich a central contract.

The visit to Sri Lanka will be Michael Clarke's first overseas challenge as Australian captain, and he will rely heavily on the experience of Ricky Ponting, Mike Hussey and Brad Haddin as he establishes himself as skipper.

The remaining seats in party are taken by the expected frontline pace attack of Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and, making a welcome return from injury, Ryan Harris.

Without Smith, Watson is the only obvious all-rounder in the squad so the composition of the XI for the first Test will offer an insight into how the NSP views the rest of the series. If just four bowlers are named (especially if two are spinners) the vice-captain can expect a decent workload with the ball. Alternatively, Haddin could be elevated to six, allowing five genuine bowlers the opportunity to take 20 wickets, a challenge that has so-often eluded Australia against top opposition in recent years.

Overall, the 15-man squad is a further step in the long-overdue transition of the national side. Just three of the party are over 31 and with five 25 or under the tour is an obvious development opportunity for the next generation.

A month of ODIs and T20s precedes the three-Test series, which begins on August 31 in Galle. The matches will determine fourth and fifth places on the ICC rankings. With England and India simultaneously delivering a compelling spectacle for the top spot in the world game, Australia has no time to lose as it strikes out for the summit once more.

Australia's 15-man Test squad to tour Sri Lanka:

Michael Clarke (c)
Shane Watson (vc)
Michael Beer
Trent Copeland
Brad Haddin
Ryan Harris
Phillip Hughes
Michael Hussey
Mitchell Johnson
Usman Khawaja
Nathan Lyon
Shaun Marsh
James Pattinson
Ricky Ponting
Peter Siddle