Legendary top-order batter David Warner would prefer Travis Head to open on Australia's Test tour of Sri Lanka rather than Sam Konstas.

Selectors have a dilemma on their hands as to which two of Head, Konstas and Usman Khawaja should face the new ball during the two-match Test series to be played in Galle from January 29.

Incumbent pair Khawaja and Konstas made valuable contributions in the final two Tests of the recent India series, notably laying the groundwork for the run chase that sealed both victory on a green SCG wicket and the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for Australia.

But conditions will be vastly different in Galle, where the pitch is expected to spin from day one.

Recent debutant Konstas, 19, is embarking on his first Test tour of the subcontinent but previously spent 10 days in Sri Lanka for a skills camp.

Once derided for his track record against spin, Khawaja was the top run-scorer on either side during Australia's last tour of the subcontinent to face India in 2023.

Head, meanwhile, averaged 55.75 runs after being shifted to the top to replace Warner, who missed the final two-and-a-bit Tests with a concussion and elbow injury.

In Warner's eyes, Head's combination of experience and trademark positive intent made him a favoured option to open the batting when Australia hunts a rare series win on the subcontinent.

In the past 10 years, Australia have won only one of six series played in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka.

"In the subcontinent over the years, we've not had a great deal of success," said Warner, a veteran of 112 Tests.

"What does success look like for the Australian cricket team? It's getting off to a good start and being able to capitalise.

"So I think it's a good move putting 'Trav' up at the top of the order to get us off to a good start. Could Sam do that as well? He probably could.

"But I think with the experience that Trav's got and the opposition probably going, 'Wow, it's Travis Head, we're going to have to be on point from ball one'."

Konstas is hoping to use the squad's five-day camp in the United Arab Emirates to stake his claim for selection.

At the ICC Academy in Dubai, the team will have the chance to acclimatise to the humid weather on decks prepared especially to imitate the conditions batters will face in Sri Lanka.

"Obviously I'd like to get the opportunity if it does come," Konstas said.

"We've got the camp in Dubai ... then see what they choose, and if I do get the opportunity, hopefully grab it with both hands."

Warner and Konstas have forged a fruitful opening partnership for the Big Bash League's Sydney Thunder in recent weeks, with the side set to play finals after Konstas leaves for Sri Lanka.

In his first summer as captain, Warner has enjoyed the chance to mentor the squad's younger players and did not believe Konstas would let selectors down if chosen to open on the Test tour.

"For me it's about them playing their game and what they need to do and that's basically instinct, and I think you saw that with Sam in the Test matches, which is exciting," Warner said.

"I think it'd be a good move if they did that (opened with Head). On the other side, it wouldn't be a bad move if Sam opened the batting."