Aussies eyes clean sweep in Hussey's farewell Test

Australia captain Michael Clarke vowed to strive for a 3-0 clean sweep against Sri Lanka in the final Test to give retiring batsman Michael Hussey a fitting send-off.

Clarke has opted for a four-man pace attack after Australia’s crushing innings victory against the tourists in last week’s second Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Mitchell Starc returns after being rested, joining quicks Peter Siddle, Jackson Bird, and MCG man-of-the-match Mitchell Johnson on a green Sydney wicket for Thursday’s Test. 

Clarke declared himself fit and will bat at four in place of Shane Watson, ruled out with a calf injury. All-rounder Glenn Maxwell was named 12th man, meaning Usman Khawaja misses out. Although a dead rubber, Clarke said the game had taken on special significance after veteran middle-order batsman Hussey declared it would be his final Test, with the squad determined to see him off with a flourish.

“When guys retire it’s extra special to get a win in that last game for them and I’m certain this Test match will be no different in regards to Michael Hussey,” Clarke said.