Usman Khawaja as standby for Clarke

Tasmania paceman Jackson Bird was another newcomer in the squad, after Ben Hilfenhaus was omitted due to injury.

Clarke, who strained his right hamstring in Australia's 137-run win over the Sri Lankans in the first Hobart Test which finished on Tuesday, said he was confident he would be fit for Melbourne.

"It's not too bad. I've got a bit of time now between now and Boxing Day and I'll be having a lot of treatment but I'm confident I'll be fit for Boxing Day," he said.
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