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Brisbane: Aussies vice-captain Michael Clarke has recovered sufficiently from a back injury to play for Australia in the Ashes opener against England starting on Thursday at the Gabba.
The middle-order batsman injured his back playing for New South Wales in Sheffield Shield cricket earlier this month and only returned to training on Tuesday.
But Clarke, who has not missed playing a Test match despite a history of chronic back trouble, satisfied team management that he was fit enough to play out the five days of the first Test in Brisbane.
Welcoming his deputy's all-clear, captain Ricky Ponting said that left-arm paceman Doug Bollinger had been left out and would be released along with Clarke's standby Usman Khawaja to play for NSW in Perth this weekend.
"Michael Clarke has got through his work particularly well over the last couple of days," Ponting said.
"He had a long solid bat in the nets again today (Wednesday), against the bowlers and the coach, so he's come through pretty well."
Ponting said Clarke had undergone rigorous drills to prove that his mobility had returned.
Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus and Peter Siddle will spearhead Australia's bowling attack in the first Test.
"Dougie (Bollinger) will be the unlucky quick to miss out," Ponting said.
The big question mark in Australia's batting is Michael Hussey whose hundred for Western Australia last week ensured his place in the side despite averaging just 26 in his past six tests.
Australia are confident they have the upper hand in the quick bowling department and with rain in Brisbane ahead of the Test leaving a green strip and humidity likely overhead this could be where the match is won.
On other-hand, England's pre-test warm-ups have been near perfect, recording convincing victories over Western Australia and Australia A eliminating any form worries ahead of Thursday.
England captain Andrew Strauss had impressed thus far on tour, but Johnson insists he will be tested with the short ball.
"I looked at a bit of footage of Strauss under the short ball," Johnson said. "He can play it when it's about chest high but when you get it right on the money he really does struggle."
Jonathan Trott at number three is likely to receive similar treatment as he struggled when forced on the back foot in his native South Africa 12 months ago.
Strauss' strike partner Alastair Cook is seen as a weak link despite his hundred in the drawn three-day match with South Australia, but he insists he is better prepared this time.
"I've got 60 Tests under my belt now and I've experienced the highs and lows, so I feel far more complete as a cricketer," Cook said.
Ian Bell, who hit a superb 192 against Australia A, certainly looks a different player from the one who has failed to convince in his three previous Ashes series.
Australia have not lost in Brisbane since 1988 and captain Ricky Ponting will be confident of handling the England attack on a ground where he averages over 100 in three Ashes contests.
Team from
Australia (likely): Ricky Ponting (capt), Shane Watson, Simon Katich, Michael Clarke (vice-capt), Michael Hussey, Marcus North, Brad Haddin (wk), Mitchell Johnson, Ben Hilfenhaus, Peter Siddle, Steven Smith.
England (likely): Andrew Strauss (capt), Alastair Cook, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Paul Collingwood, Ian Bell, Matt Prior (wk), Stuart Broad, Tim Bresnan, Graeme Swann, James Anderson.
Pitch and conditions
If the results of the Gabba this season are followed, the match won't last five days. The square remains soft from a spring of heavy rain, but the pitch is firm and a light shade of green. Showers are forecast throughout the game, with the cloud cover and extra moisture exciting the bowlers.
Stats and trivia
Match facts
November 25-29, 2010
Start time 10:00 (00:00 GMT)
