Batsmen Ed Cowan and Shaun Marsh and paceman Ben Hilfenhaus have been drafted into a 13-man Australian squad for the first Test against India starting on Boxing Day at the MCG.
Cowan has forced his way into the Australian Test set-up for the first time after scoring centuries in hispast four games, including the ongoing Chairman's XI clash against India in Canberra.
Marsh returns after recovering from a back injury suffered during the recent tour of South Africa.
And Tasmanian fast bowler Hilfenhaus has been recalled after some strong recent form at Shield level.
Batsmen Phil Hughes and Usman Khawaja were dropped from the team which lost the second Test to New Zealand in Hobart earlier this month.
Allrounder Shane Watson and paceman Ryan Harris were overlooked due to fitness concerns.
Australia: Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin (vice-capt), Dan Christian, Ed Cowan, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc, David Warner.
