Singh could feature in a three-pronged pace attack in Australia

Singh and 19-year-old Ishant Sharma, who has only played one Test, were preferred to the more experienced Munaf Patel and VRV Singh.

The selectors have also recalled Virender Sehwag in place of injured opener Gautam Gambhir (shoulder).

Anil Kumble retains the captaincy after leading the side to a 1-0 home victory over Pakistan.

All-rounder Irfan Pathan has been included after being recalled for the drawn final Test against Pakistan, and left-armer RP Singh returns after missing the series because of an abdomen injury and is likely to share the new ball with Zaheer Khan in the absence of injured Sree Santh (shoulder).

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Second wicket-keeper Dinesh Karthik also retained his spot after hitting a 50 in the second innings against Pakistan in Bangalore.

"I think in terms of the players, the potential that we have, and the experience, yes, it is probably the best-equipped side to go and compete in Australia," said Kumble.

"We have a couple of injuries which I am sure will be fine by the time we land in Australia."

The first Test against Australia begins at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 26 December when the home side will be looking for their 15th consecutive victory, just one short of the all-time record.

India have never won a series in Australia, but held them to a 1-1 draw on their last tour four years ago and will travel in confident mood after a highly successful few months.

Following a Test series victory in England during the summer, they then went to South Africa and won the inaugural ICC World Twenty20, before returning home to defeat Pakistan in both Tests and one-dayers.

Their success was achieved without a head coach, but South African Gary Kirsten will spend up to a month with them on tour, prior to taking up his appointment full-time in March.