Captain Clarke doubtful for Test

Australia captain Michael Clarke is doubtful for the traditional Boxing Day Test because of a hamstring injury. If Clarke is not passed fit to face Sri Lanka, all-rounder Shane Watson will lead the Test side for the first time, with batsman Usman Khawaja standing by to replace Clarke in the middle order. As several pacemen are ruled out with injuries, uncapped right-arm seamer Jackson Bird will make his Test debut. Bird, 26, gets his chance as left-armer Mitchell Starc is rested. He will play ia three-strong seam attack along with Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle as Starc, Ben Hilfenhaus, John Hastings, Josh Hazlewood, James Pattinson, Ryan Harris and Pat Cummins are all unavailable because of injury.