Queensland batsman Sam Heazlett has been called into the Prime Minister's XI squad after young gun Will Pucovski was ruled out with a concussion.
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Heazlett caused a stir when he debuted for Australia in late January, replacing national captain Steve Smith in the Chappell-Hadlee series against New Zealand before even playing a one-day match for Queensland.
Nineteen-year-old Pucovski was concussed while fielding in his Sheffield Shield debut for Victoria last week which saw him ruled out for the remainder of the match.
Pucovski is not playing in the current round of Shield games and is being monitored by Cricket Victoria's medical staff, who are yet to clear him for a return to training.
Heazlett scored four on debut for Australia and his selection came under fire from former players as he became the face of the national selection panel's generation next policy.
Victorian veteran Cameron White and Tasmanian skipper George Bailey were left out of the Australian squad for the 2-0 series loss to New Zealand.
Heazlett's selection raised eyebrows given he missed this year's domestic one-day competition with injury and White was named the tournament's best player for a second year running.
His selection was further proof the national selection panel are putting youth first ahead of the Champions Trophy in England and Wales this June, with an eye on the next World Cup in 2019.
A call-up to the Prime Minister's XI squad after his Australian debut means Heazlett has taken the road less travelled, with the fixture traditionally seen as a launching pad for higher honours.
Heazlett boasts a healthy List A average of 58.60 and scored a century in his first class debut for Queensland last summer.
National selector Greg Chappell is excited by the prospect of giving 21-year-old Heazlett another chance against international opposition.
"Sam is a really exciting young batsman and the Prime Minister's XI match will offer him another chance to face an international bowling attack," Chappell said.
"His talent has already been recognised by the national selection panel, and we look forward to him grasping this opportunity against Sri Lanka with both hands."
