Regular captain Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of Australia’s opening match after suffering a groin injury.
Ireland, on the other hand, is unchanged.
Despite entering the tournament with patchy form and considerable bowling concerns, Australia remain overwhelming favorites ahead of their World T20 clash against Ireland.
T20 World Cup: Schedule | Points table
The former champions will be without their celebrated pace trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood – with the former two out through injury and Starc moving away from the format – leaving the onus on Nathan Ellis to lead a relatively inexperienced attack.
Ellis himself faces a race against time after a paralysis problem, adding further uncertainty to Australia’s preparations.
In contrast, the spin department looks more balanced, with Adam Zampa returning from a groin problem and expected to play a central role alongside Cooper Connolly and Matt Kuhnemann on Sri Lankan surfaces that favor slower bowlers.
Australia’s strength continues to lie in their explosive batting unit, with Travis Head, captain Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell providing the firepower, complemented by all-rounders like Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis.
Selector George Bailey has emphasized building a squad suitable for subcontinental conditions, although several players are coming in under fitness clouds.
Recent results have not inspired confidence, with Australia winless in five completed matches, including a 0-3 loss in Pakistan and defeat to India at home.
Ireland, meanwhile, will take faith from past huge killer performances as they look to bounce back from their opening defeat to Sri Lanka to take on a vulnerable but dangerous Australian side.
Playing XI:
Australia: Travis Head(c), Josh Inglis(w), Cameron Green, Matt Renshaw, Cooper Connolly, Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis, Nathan Ellis, Xavier Bartlett, Matthew Kuhnemann, Adam Zampa.
Ireland: Paul Stirling(c), Ross Adair, Harry Tector, Lorcan Tucker(w), Curtis Campher, Benjamin Calitz, George Dockrell, Gareth Delany, Mark Adair, Barry McCarthy, Matthew Humphreys.