Rain could play a role in the opening day's play of the first cricket Test between Australia and Sri Lanka at the Gabba.

The forecast is for showers and a top of 23.

Curator Kevin Mitchell Junior had the covers on the pitch overnight after rain fell throughout Wednesday as the Australians trained indoors.

"Whoever wins the toss will probably bowl," Mitchell suggested.

"It's probably a typical Gabba wicket. It might have a bit more life in it."

The two-Test series against Sri Lanka is an uncertain time for Ricky Ponting's team as they look to continue their dominance without retired Test greats Shane Warne, Glenn McGrath and Justin Langer.

They have been replaced by Stuart MacGill (40 Tests), Mitchell Johnson (none) and Phil Jaques (two) respectively.

But Ponting has been typically on the front foot, taking direct aim at the Sri Lankans by claiming they feared the world champions and saying the Australians intended to keep a psychological hold on a lively Gabba wicket.

Ponting joked that the best way for the players to deal with any possible rain delays on Thursday would be simply to bring a pack of cards.

Play is due to start at 10am Brisbane time (11am AEDT).

Teams:

Australia: Ricky Ponting (capt), Matthew Hayden, Phil Jaques, Mike Hussey, Michael Clarke, Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist, Brett Lee, Mitchell Johnson, Stuart Clark, Stuart MacGill, Ben Hilfenhaus (12th man).

Sri Lanka: Mahela Jayawardene (capt), Sanath Jayasuriya, Marvan Atapattu, Michael Vandort, Thilan Samararweera, Chamara Silva, Prasanna Jayawardene, Chaminda Vaas, Farveez Maharoof, Muttiah Muralitharan, Lasith Malinga, Dilhara Fernando (12th man to be named on Friday).

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