And New South Wales left arm spinner Steve O'Keefe has been included to bolster the squad to 13, to cover all eventualities.
"We have opted to include an extra spinner in the squad for Adelaide as we are unsure what conditions we will see there," national selector Rod Marsh said today.
''Stephen was included in our squad that was to go to Bangladesh (before the New Zealand tour) and if he should get an opportunity we think he will make the most of it."
Pattinson ripped out five New Zealand wickets in the second innings at the Gabba in 2011 but has had injury setbacks since then.
"James has made a good return to Shield cricket following his injury and has earned this re-call," Marsh said.
''He has worked incredibly hard and we are confident that he is ready to perform at test level if selected."
Australian third test squad: Steve Smith ©, David Warner, Joe Burns, Shaun Marsh, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Nathan Lyon, Steve O'Keefe.