Queensland batsman Joe Burns has been picked to make his Test debut on Boxing Day after being called in to replace Mitchell Marsh.
Selectors have opted against a like-for-like replacement for all-rounder Marsh, who injured his hamstring during the second Test.
Burns has beaten a long list of contenders, including Ed Cowan, Callum Ferguson and Adam Voges for the vacant berth in Australia's top six.
Burns, who has opened this summer for Queensland, has been rewarded for a strong summer in the Sheffield Shield, scoring 439 runs at 55.
The 25-year-old, who has scored 2978 runs with an average of 42.54 at first-class level, is regarded as one of the more patient and technically sound batsmen in the country outside of the Test side.
He has never represented Australia in any form of the game.
Burns was told of his selection on Sunday by chairman of selectors Rod Marsh.
"It took a fair while to sink in," he said. "I'm over the moon at the news as it is the best Christmas present I could ever hope for. I'll get sorted before the game tonight and then see what I have to do tomorrow but I'm just so happy."
He will play for the Brisbane Heat on Sunday night in the Big Bash before joining the Test squad in Melbourne on Monday.
TEST SQUAD: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (c), Shaun Marsh, Joe Burns, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris
