Australia have named a full-strength squad for the series, led by Aaron Finch. However, David Warner and Mitchell Marsh, stars for the side in the T20 World Cup triumph last year, have been rested ahead of the team’s tour to Pakistan.

Josh Hazlewood, who missed most of the Ashes series due to an injury, returns to the side. The hosts have recalled Ben McDermott and Jhye Richardson to the set-up, while Sam Billings earned a last-minute call-up after Travis Head decided to feature in the Sheffield Shield. Head, however, will return for the last two T20Is.

Following Justin Langer’s departure last week, Andrew McDonald will be the interim head coach.

The Sri Lanka side, on the other hand, have been dealt a blow after Kusal Mendis tested positive for Covid-19 three days before the start of the series. He is likely to be unavailable for the first two games.

The side had earlier announced a 20-member squad for the T20Is against Australia, with as many as nine new faces featuring from the one that had played in the T20 World Cup in 2021. They have also included Danushka Ganuthilaka, who had seen his one-year ban revoked last month. Niroshan Dickwella, who had also been banned, however, found no place.

The Sri Lanka team appointed Lasith Malinga as their bowling strategy coach, along with Rumesh Ratnayake, the interim head coach. Ratnayake, who was also recovering from Covid-19, has now joined the team.

AUS vs SL 2022, Schedule: Here’s the full fixtures list and start time for Australia v Sri Lanka

AUS vs SL 2022: Squad and full team list

Australia T20I squad

Aaron Finch (c), Ashton Agar, Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Moises Henriques, Josh Inglis, Ben McDermott, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, Adam Zampa, Travis Head (last two T20Is).

Sri Lanka T20I squad

Dasun Shanaka (c), Avishka Fernando, Pathum Nissanka, Kusal Mendis, Danushka Gunathilaka, Janith Liyanage, Charith Asalanka, Ramesh Mendis, Wanindu Hasaranga, Dinesh Chandimal, Kamil Mishara, Chamika Karunaratne, Lahiru Kumara, Nuwan Thushara, Dushmantha Chameera, Binura Fernando, Maheesh Theekshana, Jeffrey Vandersay, Praveen Jayawickrama, Shiran Fernando

Update: Kusal Mendis tested positive for Covid-19 on February 8, and is currently isolating. He is likely to miss the first two games.