Galle: Australia has won the toss and will bat when play gets underway in the first Test against Sri Lanka in Galle.

The start of the Test has been delayed due to inclement weather.

Heavy overnight rain has drenched the Galle International Cricket Stadium, with plastic sheets placed on the ground covered in water.

The covers have been removed on the pitch but the ground is still covered as ground staff begin an attempt to make it fit for play.

Rain has currently stopped and the sky is clearing, raising hopes for a start to play at a later stage in the day.

The delay will make the likes of Nathan Lyon and Trent Copeland even more anxious, with the pair set to make their Test debut for Australia in the match.

Usman Khawaja (one Test), Ryan Harris (five) and Phillip Hughes (10) are also included in a relatively inexperienced Australian side.

The match will also mark Michael Clarke's appearance as full-time Test captain.

It will be the first time since January 2004 that Ricky Ponting will play a Test without being the national captain.