Cape Town - Australia's selectors have appointed batsman Travis Head and fast bowler Pat Cummins as joint vice-captains for the upcoming Test series against Sri Lanka. 

Head and Cummins have been elevated into the leadership roles and will act as deputies to skipper Tim Paine with regular vice-captain Josh Hazlewood ruled out of the series through injury and Mitch Marsh not selected. 

The 25-year-old Head is captain of South Australia and has led the Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League while Cummins has no senior leadership experience so far in his career. 

Australia selector Trevor Hohns said: "I'd like to congratulate Travis and Patrick on being named co-Vice Captains for the series, it is a fitting reward for their professionalism and dedication to drive the elite standards of the Australian Men's Test team. 

"With Josh Hazlewood ruled out through injury and Mitch Marsh not selected for this series, we believe Travis and Pat are the best candidates to help support Captain, Tim Paine, through the two Test matches. 

"Travis is an experienced State Captain who has had a reasonable amount of success with South Australia and the Adelaide Strikers in the BBL. Travis was also Captain of the Australia A One Day team on their tour of India. 

"Travis was an impressive candidate when interviewed during the leadership identification process we conducted last year. He has also continued to develop his leadership qualities since joining the Australian Men’s Test team." 

Hohns said of Cummins: "Pat is a fine young man who displays strong leadership though his actions on and off the cricket field. 

"He is also a well-respected and popular member of the dressing room, who consistently lives and demonstrates the team’s values and standards. 

"We also believe in having strong and even representation of both the batting and bowling groups, and Pat will provide important insights and knowledge when making decisions in the best interest of the team." 

The first of two Tests against Sri Lanka will start in Brisbane on Thursday and it will be a day/night affair.