Peter Siddle picked for opening Test against South Africa

Peter Siddle won the battle on Wednesday, as Australia captain Steve Smith opted for the 31-year-old alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Peter Siddle, who has recovered from a back injury and has claimed 208 wickets in 61 Test, replaces Jon Holland in two changes to the team that faced Sri Lanka in the final match in August.

Experience won out over inexperience after veteran pacemen Peter Siddle received the nod for Australia's first Test against South Africa.

Siddle and Joe Mennie had been vying for the final spot in the Aussie attack set to face the Proteas in Perth, starting Thursday, following the uncapped Test bowler's surprise inclusion in the 12-man team.

But Siddle won the battle on Wednesday, as Australia captain Steve Smith opted for the 31-year-old alongside Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood.

Siddle, who has recovered from a back injury and has claimed 208 wickets in 61 Test, replaces Jon Holland in two changes to the team that faced Sri Lanka in the final match in August.

Batsman Usman Khawaja comes in for Moises Henriques. 

The WACA is the venue for the first of three Tests against South Africa in Australia. 

Australia:  Steve Smith (capt.), David Warner, Shaun Marsh, Usman Khawaja, Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood, Joe Mennie (12th man).