Australia have named not one but three debutants for their first ODI against Sri Lanka on Friday, all of them batting in the top order as the hosts look to find a new formula in Melbourne.

Captain George Bailey was incensed at suggestions that they were putting out a second string side, saying that Aaron Finch, Usman Khawaja and Phil Hughes were highly talented and well deserving of their places.

The skipper said: "For these two games this is the best side that Australia can put out. I've got no doubt that if guys perform well, for sure there'll be a few debutants in this game.

"I think you'll see these guys a lot more in one-day cricket, I think you'll see some of them play test cricket."

He added: "It's a huge opportunity and a great one.... What you want from your top four, top five (batsmen) in one-day cricket is for them to score the bulk of the runs and to win you the game."

"Whether it's your first game or your 50th game, that expectation doesn't change."

Australia: George Bailey (capt), Aaron Finch, Phil Hughes, Usman Khawaja, David Hussey, Glenn Maxwell, Brad Haddin, Clint McKay, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Xavier Doherty, Steve Smith (12th man).