There was no need to change too much from the recipe which won the T20 World Cup as Australia named their XI to take on Sri Lanka in the first of a three-match T20 series, kicking off tonight in Colombo.

The Aussies will opt for a trio of pacemen, with the conditions expected to suit. However, Pat Cummins will miss the match, while Adam Zampa will be home with his partner as they await the birth of their child.

Captain Aaron Finch said a heavy wet season changed the dry conditions they were expecting.

"There was a temptation there (to play two spinners) but having seen the conditions over the last couple of days, the square is quite green, there's been a lot of rain around and the outfield is quite heavy," Finch told reporters on Monday.

"Expecting there to be a bit of spin there but it might be a tacky sort of spin. It's not a dry square, it's not a dry surface by any stretch.

"There hasn't been a huge amount of cricket here and with it being the wet season, the wickets are under covers a lot more than what they generally would."

While it seems the drier track would suit the Australians more than Sri Lanka, Finch applauded their pace attack.

"If Sri Lanka had their preference, it'd probably be on the drier side.

"But they've (had) a fantastic fast bowling attack over the last couple of years, led by (Dushmantha) Chameera."

Kane Richardson beat out Jhye for the spot of the resting Pat Cummins, while Ashton Agar will come in for Zampa.

Crucial in the 20-over format, The Australian team is filled witha strong pool of all-rounders. Glenn Maxwell, Marcus Stoinis and Mitch Marsh will handle the role, while David Warner and Steve Smith were named.

Missing the World Cup last year, Josh Inglis have once again missed out on selection. Though the Australian captain says you can expect to see him soon.

He's so close, he's really stiff," Finch said of Inglis' omission.

"Every chance he's had, he's taken with both hands. He's a super talented young payer. He's shown his ability to float throughout the order in international cricket and domestic cricket.

"He'll definitely get an opportunity with the quick back-ups between the three T20s and then the five ODIs being really congested. There will be an opportunity for Josh at some point. "

Finch gave his final thoughts on the series ahead.

"This will be a little bit more of a running game, I think the boundaries will be pushed back slightly. It will come down to using our smarts, using our ability to manipulate the ball into gaps and running hard."

Australian XI to play Sri Lanka

Aaron Finch (c), Sean Abbott, Ashton Agar, Josh Hazlewood, Josh Inglis, Mitchell Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Jhye Richardson, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner, Matthew Wade