Regular skipper Mitchell Marsh has been ruled out of Australia’s opening fixture after sustaining a groin injury.
Ireland, on the other hand, are unchanged.
Despite entering the tournament on the back of patchy form and significant bowling concerns, Australia remain overwhelming favorites ahead of their T20 World Cup 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 first two sidelined by injuries and Starc stepping away from the format — leaving the responsibility on Nathan Ellis to spearhead a relatively inexperienced attack.
Ellis himself faces a race against time after a hamstring issue, adding further uncertainty to Australia’s preparations.
In contrast, the spin department looks more settled, 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, where Travis Head, captain Mitchell Marsh and Glenn Maxwell provide firepower, complemented by versatile options like Cameron Green, Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis.
Selector George Bailey has emphasized building a squad suited to sub-continent conditions, though several players arrive under fitness clouds.
Recent results have not inspired confidence, with Australia winless in five completed matches, including a 0-3 loss in Pakistan and a defeat to India at home.
Ireland, meanwhile, will draw belief from past giant-killing performances as they look to rebound from an opening defeat to Sri Lanka and challenge a vulnerable yet dangerous Australian side.
Playing XIs:
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.
