Australian skipper Michael Clarke has been deemed to fit to play and will captain the side in the first Test match of the summer at the Adelaide Oval.
Australia’s most accomplished Test batsman, Clarke was battling to be fit for the match, after injuring his hamstring earlier this summer in the third ODI against South Africa.
He was originally ruled out of the first Test in Brisbane, but with the rescheduling of the Test summer after the death of Phillip Hughes, he has had an extra four days to prove his fitness for the Adelaide match.
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Clarke’s selection means the shadow batsman, Shaun Marsh, won’t be required for the fixture.
Two pace bowling all rounders, Mitchell Marsh and Shane Watson, have both been selected alongside three fast bowlers.
In-form NSW paceman Josh Hazlewood is the bowler to miss out, with Peter Siddle retaining his spot alongside Ryan Harris and Mitchell Johnson.
Along with the players dealing with the emotional stress of farewelling Phillip Hughes at his funeral last Wednesday coming into the match, there have also been several players dealing with various injuries.
Steve Smith has been battling a quad injury he picked up during the ODI series against South Africa, while Ryan Harris has only played one Shield match since his return to bowling. He was sidelined after the tour of South Africa earlier this year.
Captain Clarke completed a full session of running and various movement earlier today, giving the selectors the confidence to give him the go ahead for the Adelaide Test match.
Phillip Hughes has been named honorary 13th man for the fixture, as part of a series of tributes dedicated to the former Test batsman.
Australian team for the first Test against India:
David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (C), Steve Smith, Mitchell Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood (12th), Phillip Hughes (13th)
Quitwhinging
Guest
ODI's aren't a great indicator as to how that player will go in test cricket, you saw what happened when Bailey was picked on 50 over form, did not end well. Hazlewood was not that impressive in that game, if I recall correctly he went at about 3 an over which suggests he hadn't found a consistent line and length. Let him play a few shield games instead of rushing him into the test team. Australia needs Siddle at Adelaide especially with his returns there as well as his 5fa at the same ground against South Australia, no-one knows how Harris is going to go either after such a long lay off, Siddle the safer option for the time being.
Jameswm
Guest
What are Siddle's returns like in his last few tests? Didn't Hazlewood pick up 7 in his only Shield game this year? How has Hazey gone in the ODIs? Siddle's the heart and soul of the team to an extent but too often he isn't a threat.
Quitwhinging
Guest
Cannot understand the Hazlewood obsession, he has one 5 wicket haul in about 4 yrs of first class cricket. Let him earn it through shield performance, at least Siddle took a 5fa in his last shield game
Jameswm
Guest
Is the 2nd test in Brisbane? If Sids is toothless, expect Hazlewood to come in for the 2nd test. Lyon is running out of credits. Is Boyce playing any Shield cricket? How's he going? Watto's the other one who needs some good performances. Maybe Haddin to a lesser extent.
Brains of a bimbo (Atgm)
Guest
Why is Siddle in the side?????????????????????hes mediocre
Silver Sovereign
Roar Rookie
I hope Clarke lasts the 5 days. I have my doubts though. I wonder if Siddle is going to be consistent and get wickets in he first game and then peter out through the rest of the series. Its going to be tough with no warmup matches. The Indians were able to get some practice in. Hopefully that wont come back to bite the Aussies
ES
Guest
I agree on the Hughes selection as 13th man, great touch. If the match was anywhere bar Adelaide I'd agree Hazelwood over Siddle, but in Adelaide I think it's the right selection.
13th man
Guest
Nice touch to make Phil Hughes 13th man. Would have picked Hazelwood over Siddle. Siddle will need to perform or he will be dropped for the younger man