Australia will bat first in the opening Test against India, with Michael Clarke winning the toss at Adelaide Oval.

“The wicket looks fantastic … we’re ready to go and the boys are excited,” Clarke said.

The match is the first game Australia are playing since the shock death of Phillip Hughes.

“What I know my little buddy would want is going out and playing cricket,” Clarke said.

“The boys are going as well as they possibly can, I think everyone’s keen to play some cricket.”

Clarke passed a fitness test on the weekend on his troublesome hamstring and will lead the side in the opening clash of the four-Test series.

Australia confirmed their XI on Monday, naming Josh Hazlewood 12th man.

India legspinner Karn Sharma will make his Test debut, with seamers Ishant Sharma, Varun Aaron and Mohammed Shami making up the rest of their attack.

Australia XI: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (capt), Steve Smith, Mitch Marsh, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon.

India XI: Murali Vijay, Shikhar Dhawan, Cheteshwar Pujara, Virat Kohli (capt), Ajinkya Rahane, Rohit Sharma, Wriddhiman Saha, Karn Sharma, Mohammed Shami, Varun Aaron, Ishant Sharma.