Batsman Brad Hodge will make his Test debut for Australia against West Indies on Thursday after captain Ricky Ponting said the right hander and all rounder Andrew Symonds would definitely play.
The composition of the side for the Test at Hobart's Bellerive Oval had been the subject of speculation, however, Ponting told reporters on Wednesday the pair would be included.
Hodge has replaced the struggling Simon Katich, while Symonds was brought in after fellow all rounder Shane Watson was ruled out for the remainder of Australia's international programme after dislocating a shoulder.
The 30-year-old Hodge, who was in the first Test squad but then dropped in favour of left-arm swing bowler Nathan Bracken, scored 177 for state side Victoria against West Indies in a first class match last week.
Symonds, who is seen as a one-day specialist, played two Tests in Sri Lanka in 2004.
Bracken or leg spinner Stuart MacGill would be the 12th man for the match, though Ponting said the final decision would be made just before play began on Thursday.
"We just want a bit more of a think about it and probably a sleep on it tonight with Bracken and MacGill," Ponting said.
"One of those two guys will play and one won't."
Australia won the first Test in Brisbane by 379 runs.
