Opener Ed Cowan has been named in the playing eleven against India for the Boxing Day test match at the MCG. Cowan recently played some brilliant knocks while playing for Tasmania and for the Chairman’s XI against India in the recently concluded warm up match.

Shaun Marsh, who has recently recovered from injury, has been included in the playing XI. The much talked about duo of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey will also be taking the field against India. Ben Hilfenhaus replaced Mitch Starc, who has been named 12th man.

About the inclusion of Ben Hilfenhaus, Captain Michael Clarke said, “He is a very good new ball bowler and he can bowl long spells and he has had success against India as well so there’s probably a few reasons why we decided to go with Hilfy.

“We feel we have got the right XI to give ourselves a chance to win the Test match.”

“Mitch is obviously disappointed. He would have loved a chance but he understands the reasons,” he said.

“He has to keep working hard at his game now to continue to improve. (Mitch Starc needs) to go back to his Big Bash team and New South Wales and continue to take wickets.” added Clarke.

Boxing Day Test Squad – Michael Clarke (capt), Brad Haddin, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Ed Cowan, Nathan Lyon,  James Pattinson, Shaun Marsh, Ricky Ponting, David Warner, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc (12th man).