Selectors feel Pattinson, who is coming back from a shin injury, is not yet ready to play a full game and did not want to risk him breaking down mid-Test.

Pattinson has played only half a Shield game in his comeback, which told against him at selection.

"The selectors aren't 100 per cent sure he'd get through this first Test match, so that decision was made," captain Steve Smith said.

"I think Jackson Bird has been bowling extremely well. I saw him for the first time yesterday in the nets and I thought he bowled extremely well.

"I'm really happy with the 11 we've picked and hopefully we can have a successful week."

Pattinson is clearly the fastest bowler in Australia's touring party and his absence has robbed Smith of a high-speed point of difference in his attack.

Bird played the last of his three Tests in the 2013 Ashes but has since battled a series of back problems. However he has won his way back into the baggy green through strong form in the Shield.

"He's bowling with quite good pace, hitting a good area and swinging the ball, and swinging it late which is a great attribute to have," Smith said.

"If he gets the ball in the right areas this Test match he can do quite a bit of damage.

"That's really important for us in this Test series, especially if the wickets are going to do a bit. If we're hitting good areas we'll create a lot of chances and I think he can do that for us."

Smith said selectors are confident Pattinson will be available for the second Test.

"It's nice to have that little bit of extra time. He can get a few bowls in in the nets over the next couple of days," Smith said.

Australia XI: Joe Burns, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (capt), Adam Voges, Mitch Marsh, Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird.