Matt Prior has been passed fit to play for England and spinner Nathan Lyon has won his position in the Australian line-up for the first Ashes Test in Brisbane.

Australian captain Michael Clarke won the toss and elected to bat.

George Bailey’s Test baptism has been confirmed, with Australia’s oldest debutant in 34 years presented with his baggy green by Mark Taylor on Thursday at the Gabba.

There was debate right up until Wednesday night over the make-up of the Australian XI, but selectors have stuck with the widely predicted combination of three quicks and spinner Nathan Lyon.

Bowling allrounder James Faulkner will carry the drinks, while Bailey will bat at No.6.

England’s veteran wicketkeeper Prior was in significant doubt with a calf strain he picked up in Hobart two weeks ago, but he passed a fitness test on Wednesday.

In England’s other team news, Chris Tremlett won the race to partner James Anderson and Stuart Broad in the bowling attack.

Star batsman Kevin Pietersen was presented with a silver cap in honour of his 100th Test.

It was a cap of a different kind for Bailey, 31, who has played 35 one-day internationals and captained Australia on the recent limited overs tour of India, where he averaged an astonishing 95.60.

Bailey is Australia’s 436th Test player.

Shane Watson’s hamstring troubles opened up the possibility for Australia to look at playing a fourth seamer in Faulkner.

But Watson was passed fit and is expected to contribute a bit part with the ball.

Lyon has taken 11 wickets at 24 from his two Tests at the Gabba and the bounce at the Gabba has long been a friend for spin bowling in Brisbane.

It’s an important show of faith in Lyon’s ability, after he was replaced by Xavier Doherty and Glenn Maxwell in India and Ashton Agar on the last Ashes tour of the UK this year.

Lyon, who turned 26 on match eve, now has a chance to assert himself as Australia’s No.1 spinner for the remainder of the series.

Left-arm paceman Mitchell Johnson makes his anticipated return to Ashes cricket, to partner Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle in the fast bowling attack.

Teams

Australia: David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (capt), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon

England: Alastair Cook (capt), Michael Carberry, Jonathan Trott, Kevin Pietersen, Ian Bell, Joe Root, Matt Prior, Stuart Broad, Graeme Swann, James Anderson, Chris Tremlett