Young batting prodigy Will Pucovski was parachuted into the Australia squad for two Tests against Sri Lanka in a shock call-up on Wednesday, with veteran Shaun Marsh and his brother Mitch dumped.
Also axed from the 13-man squad after their humbling 2-1 series defeat to India were underperforming opener Aaron Finch and middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb.
In-form Joe Burns was recalled for the first time since the South Africa tour early last year and could open the innings with rookie Marcus Harris, who did enough against India to keep his place.
But they face competition from Matt Renshaw, who has been handed another opportunity despite misfiring in the domestic Sheffield Shield this season.
Off-spinning allrounder Marnus Labuschagne was retained from the team that played the rain-affected drawn Test in Sydney this week, as was Travis Head.
Selectors kept faith with their pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, with veteran Peter Siddle also included.
National selector Trevor Hohns said "there is no doubt the India series produced some disappointing results" and change was needed, after four Tests characterised by the failure of any Australian batsmen to score a century.
"Ultimately Aaron, Peter, Shaun and Mitch have not produced the performances expected of them with the bat at the Test level," he said.
"They have been given a good opportunity, but have not produced the scores we need."
Pucovski was the shock call-up. The 20-year-old is one of the brightest batting talents in the country, scoring a double century for Victoria last year.
But he has only played eight first-class matches, and after that double ton took a break from cricket because of a mental health issue.
Burns, who has played 14 Tests, has been knocking on the door this season with Queensland, while Renshaw has been unlucky not to get another call-up until now, since his last appearance at Johannesburg in April.
Burns, Renshaw and Pucovski will all play for a Cricket Australia XI against Sri Lanka ahead of the Tests in preparation.
The first Test will be a day-nighter in Brisbane from January 24, with the second in Canberra from February 1.