Follow UsTravis Head feels Australia are experienced enough to cope as they prepare for their first Test without Steve Smith or Marnus Labuschagne since 2018.
An out-of-form Labuschagne has been dropped for the opening Test against West Indies in Barbados, starting on June 25 (Wednesday), while Smith is nursing an injured finger.
Sam Konstas and Josh Inglis, who have only played two Tests each, compared to the combined 175 of Smith and Labuschagne, will replace them in the XI.
"They (Smith and Labuschagne) are still around the squad, so it still feels similar at the moment in the build-up," he told reporters in West Indies.
"Getting into the game will be a little bit of a new look, but it's guys who have already played, guys with experience already in a short amount of Test match cricket."
Not since the Boxing Day Test against India in 2018 - when Smith was serving a year-long ban for ball-tampering - have Australia fielded a Test team without either him or Labuschagne.
Labuschagne has played 53 consecutive Tests, according to Cricket Australia, while Smith's streak stood at 51.
Konstas is expected to open at Kensington Oval with Usman Khawaja -- a role Labuschagne filled in the recent World Test Championship final -- with Inglis coming in anywhere from three to six.
Talking about Inglis, Head said: "He can cover so many bases. He's had limited opportunity in a long time being in the squad. It feels like he's played a lot more than he has for Australia.
“Once he gets his extended stay in the team, I think he'll excel. He's already showed great application in Sri Lanka. He's been in some tough roles as well… I think he's well-adapted and ready to go. He's been waiting for a long time."
Head, who usually bats at number five, said Australia are prepared for any scenario. "I think we're prepared for anything, really, and prepared for maybe both (seam and spin) in the same game.
"We could be starting the game and then it could shift into different modes and plans of attack. So, as a batter, you're just sort of planning for anything at the moment. And then once you get a look at the lay of the land, come up with a plan, and try to cover all bases."
Australia will play three Tests against West Indies with the first beginning in Barbados on Wednesday.
(With inputs from AFP)