Australia have confirmed that Travis Head will open the innings with veteran opener Usman Khawaja in a tactical shift of batting position in Galle.

Travis Head previously opened in Test Cricket in India. The first Test between Sri Lanka and Australia is set to be commenced from Wednesday (January 29) in Galle. Australia however usually announce their XI the day before match. But this team the announcement has been delayed as Steve Smith, the interim captain has confirmed the XI will be announced after the coin toss.

But, however, he has confirmed Travis Head's shift to the top position.

"Trav will go to the top, outside of that I think it will be pretty stable," Smith told reporters prior to Australia's final pre-Test training session.

"I don't see it being a great deal of change from that.

"The selectors liked what they saw in India when he (Head) had that opportunity.

"He got after the new ball, scored quickly and put the pressure on them straight away so I guess similar thinking here."

Australia Test squad for Sri Lanka tour: Steve Smith (Captain), Sean Abbott, Scott Boland, Alex Carey (Wicketkeeper), Cooper Connolly, Travis Head (Vice-Captain), Josh Inglis (Wicketkeeper), Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Nathan McSweeney, Todd Murphy, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster.

Smith didn’t even confirm if Sam Konstas retains his place but he has said that Head was "locked in" for the two Tests. But it is expected that Australia will go with a spin heavy bowling attack.