Test captain Michael Clarke talks with selector Rod Marsh (L) and coach Darren Lehmann. Photo: Getty Images

Michael Clarke will be out there, and so will the spirit of Phillip Hughes as Australia's "13th man" for the first Test in Adelaide on Tuesday. 

Clarke has declared himself fully fit for what promises to be poignant and emotional Test, while the selectors have resisted the temptation to blood in-form paceman Josh Hazlewood, sticking with the experienced combination of Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris for the start of the Border-Gavaskar series.

Siddle's proven capacity for grunt work meant he was preferred for the thankless Adelaide pitch, while Harris will return after eight months on the sidelines after knee surgery. 

Michael Clarke's Test shirt featuring Phillip Hughes' Test cap number 408. Photo: Getty Images

Johnson, standing in for Clarke at the traditional pre-Test media conference, had the rare distinction of announcing the XI. Despite a fortnight that has tested the emotional resilience of everyone, with players struggling to come to terms with the death of Hughes, every member of the squad declared himself emotionally ready to play for Australia.

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"Josh Hazlewood misses out and Phillip Hughes is our 13th. Shaun Marsh is going to go back to play Shield cricket and Josh is going to stay on. That squad is going to be the same for Brisbane," Johnson said.

"It's a huge boost to have him [Clarke] back and playing for us. With his captaincy and he's shown how strong he is over the last couple of weeks with the tragedy that we've had, so it's really nice to have him back. He is a strong captain and we need him out there in this tough series."

Johnson played down the risks of Clarke re-injuring his left hamstring, and said the fast bowlers would maintain the aggression that has made Australia's attack arguably the best in the world over the past 12 months. 

"We have got to play the way we have been playing," Johnson said. "That is being aggressive. That's the way I have always played the game. I know our boys will be out there playing the best cricket we can. If that is bowling the short ball like we have been then that is what we will do. You've got to assess the conditions but we're not going to change a thing."

Shaun Marsh has been released to play for Western Australia in the Sheffield Shield game against Victoria, which also starts Tuesday.  

First Test squad: D Warner, C Rogers, S Watson, M Clarke, S Smith, M Marsh, B Haddin, M Johnson, R Harris, P Siddle, N Lyon. J Hazlewood (12th), P Hughes (13th).