Captain Mitchell Marsh was again missing for Australia in their second game at the T20 World Cup, against Zimbabwe in Colombo on Friday, after suffering internal testicular bleeding.
Marsh is still recovering after being struck in the groin during training, with Travis Head leading the former champions at R. Premadasa Stadium.
Marsh also missed the win over Ireland on Wednesday and Steve Smith was called up as cover.
"Steve Smith hasn’t reached Colombo yet but hopefully the skipper is fit soon," Head said at the toss, which he won and chose to bowl against Zimbabwe.
The in-form Smith is one of Australia's most experienced and best players against spin.
But he was controversially omitted from the squad despite his blistering Big Bash League form as an opening batsman.
Australia are already without pace bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who are ruled out of the competition with injuries.