Warner faced Sean Abbott - who too has been ruled out of the Boxing Day Test.
India vs Australia 2020-21: Sean Abbott has also been ruled out despite being declared fit as the biosecurity protocols mean he along with Warner cannot link up with the Australia Test squad in time.
India vs Australia: Australia are also without their first-choice opener David Warner who picked a groin injury while fielding during the second ODI against India last month.
The match, which will be streamed live, may not feature skipper Kohli, who has hinted that he wants to go on with his own preparation routine before the 'Battle Royale'.
Nathan Lyon says he's disappointed that 'greatest player in the world' Virat Kohli will not be part of the entire Test series
Australia's chief of selectors Trevor Hohns said the standout performances of the uncapped players in Sheffield Shield made the call to pick them a no-brainer.
Pacer Abbott was to feature for them across all the formats for the first half of the season while McDermott was to play in One-Day cup and T20 Blast.
Abbott has been ruled out of action for up to four weeks due to the injury he picked during the ongoing Big Bash League.
The first match in the series was washed out while Australia won the second by seven wickets.
Australia fast bowler Mitchell Starc will miss the second T20I against Sri Lanka to be played on October 30 as he is to attend his brother's wedding.