The tourists were expecting to play on the same strip as they did for the third ODI in Dambulla on Sunday, only to be told that the old wicket was being prepared at the Rangiri International Stadium.
Warner, deputising for the rested Steve Smith, revealed that Australia will wait until the day of the game to select their side as they attempt to take an unassailable 3-1 lead in the five-match series.
The opening batsman said: "I'd like to give you an answer for the team, but unfortunately rocking up today I thought we were going to play on the other wicket.