Australian selector Greg Chappell has backed the selections of two uncapped players Nathan Lyon and Trent Copeland for the forthcoming tour of Sri Lanka and said that duo were among those who demonstrated they could perform at a higher level during the A side’s recently concluded tour of Zimbabwe.

“I think they can have success at the next level. They are bringing with them some form and confidence and freshness,” Chappell said while interviewing to a British newspaper on Sunday.

Right-arm fast bowler Copeland and off-spinner Lyon frustrated the opponent batsmen in during the tri-series in Zimbabwe that also included South Africa A.

They are very exciting cricketers: Chappell

“They are very exciting cricketers. The Australia A tour to Zimbabwe was a huge success. Those two guys were two of a number who showed that what has worked for them in Australia can work at a higher level,” he added.

Talking about fast bowlers, Doug Bollinger and Ben Hilfenhaus, who miss the boat to for Island tour, Chappell said “they need to work on their fitness.”

Chappell says, Very few players are ready to go

When questioned about the segregation of leg-spinner Steven Smith from the Test squad, Chappell said:

“He is in the same position that most players are in early in their careers when they get an opportunity. They get to have a look at it. Very few players are ready to go.”

Australia is scheduled will kick-off their tour with two Twenty20 international games, which will be followed by five one-day and three Test matches.