O'Keefe was forced out of the attack because of a hamstring strain while bowling his 17th over on day three of the first Test at the Pallekele Stadium.

Holland, 29, finished the first-class season strongly for Sheffield Shield champions Victoria, and had only recently been drafted into the Australia A squad as a replacement for the injured Ashton Agar. That squad that will take on South Africa A in four-day matches in Brisbane and Townsville.

However, Holland now appears certain to become Australia's 444th Test cricketer and debut in next week's second Test on a spin-friendly wicket in Galle.

Selection chairman Rod Marsh, who is in Kandy, said the selectors had opted for "a like-for-like replacement for Steve in Jon Holland".

"It is incredibly disappointing for Steve to get this injury and I really feel for him. He was bowling well in the Test and had caused some trouble to Sri Lanka's top order," he said.

"Jon had a good end to the Sheffield Shield season and is currently in Brisbane with Australia A as they prepare for a four-day match against South Africa A.

"He will be on a plane as soon as possible and is a strong chance to make his debut in the Galle Test."

Holland, who has good control, has 106 wickets at 37.9 in 38 first-class matches, including a pair of five-wicket hauls. He claimed 3-86 and 5-76 in the Shield final against South Australia.

The tourists also had the option of drafting leg-spinner Adam Zampa into the squad but he has played little first-class cricket in the past year. Zampa, who was part of Australia's team at the Twenty20 World Cup, is currently playing in the Caribbean Premier League.

Team physiotherapist David Beakley said O'Keefe had hurt himself while chasing a ball in the field.

"Initial assessment indicates a moderate grade hamstring injury which means it is highly unlikely that he will be available for the remainder of the Test series," he said.

"Steve will remain with the squad in Kandy until the end of the Test and will undertake imaging on the injury upon his return to Australia."

Victoria's Glenn Maxwell has been named as a replacement for Holland in the Australia A squad.