Former paceman Jason Gillespie has been named Australia assistant coach for their Twenty20 series against Sri Lanka in February.

Gillespie, 41, will assist Justin Langer, who was named head coach for the three-match series earlier this month.

Darren Lehmann and David Saker, the full-time head and assistant coaches, will be with the Test squad preparing for their series in India.

Adelaide Strikers coach Gillespie said the series, starting February 17, would likely provide inexperienced players with a chance.

"I'm just buzzing to get this role – it really is an exciting opportunity – and I'm humbled to be thought of by Cricket Australia in this regard," he said.

"For me, the chance to be working with Justin Langer is terrific. Of course he's a friend and a former team-mate, but he's also someone who's had success in this form of the game and if I can learn anything from him and his approach then that would be great.

"I'm there to support and hopefully play my part in achieving some positive results for us and that is something that is important because Australia hasn't had the success any of us would like in Twenty20 cricket. A series like this is the ideal way for us to try and get better and refine our approach.

"With some players likely to be away in India it really will be a shop window for players from the BBL [Big Bash League] to showcase their skills, and to show the selectors and the Australian public what they can do.

"It's a chance for those selectors to see how, in the case of any new players, they deal with international cricket."

Australia's Test series in India starts just six days after the first T20, meaning a weakened squad is likely to face Sri Lanka.