GALLE, Sri Lanka, Jan 29, 2025 (BSS/AFP) - Australia skipper Steve Smith won the toss and opted to bat in the opening match of the two-Test series against Sri Lanka on Wednesday.

Smith is one short of 10,000 Test runs and likely to reach the landmark when he comes out to bat at four at the picturesque Galle International Stadium.

The tourists handed a Test debut to Josh Inglis after impressive form in the Sheffield Shield.

Teenage opener Sam Konstas was dropped with Travis Head moving up the order.

All-rounder Beau Webster is set to share the new ball with veteran left-arm quick Mitchell Starc.

"Josh Inglis has been banging the door down in Shield cricket so he gets his chance," said Smith, who is standing in as captain in the absence of Pat Cummins.

"Travis Head moves up the order and we just have to adapt and play well in the conditions."

Sri Lanka recalled Oshada Fernando in place of the injured Pathum Nissanka.

Leg-spinner Jeffrey Vandersay will add an extra dimension to the hosts' spin attack.

Skipper Dhananjaya de Silva said he too would have chosen to bat first but was bullish about his team's prospects.

"We are going in with just one seamer and three spinners, hoping Angelo Mathews can roll his arm over for a few overs," said De Silva.

"Oshada is back in the mix and Jeffrey Vandersay gives us more variety in the spin department."

Teams

Australia: Usman Khawaja, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (capt), Josh Inglis, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wk), Mitchell Starc, Matt Kuhnemann, Nathan Lyon, Todd Murphy.

Sri Lanka: Dimuth Karunaratne, Oshada Fernando, Dinesh Chandimal, Angelo Mathews, Kamindu Mendis, Dhananjaya de Silva (capt), Kusal Mendis (wk), Prabath Jayasuriya, Nishan Peiris, Asitha Fernando, Jeffrey Vandersay.

Umpires: Chris Gaffaney (NZ), Adrian Holdstock (SA)

YV Umpire: Joel Wilson (WI)

Match Referee: Jeff Crowe (NZ)