Smith confirms change for Boxing Day Test

Peter Handscomb has been released from Australia's Magellan Ashes squad to play in Melbourne Stars' KFC Big Bash League clash with Perth Scorchers on Boxing Day.

Handscomb, who was dropped for the third Test but retained in the squad, will travel west with the Stars on Christmas Day.

The right-hander comes into the Stars' squad for former England star Kevin Pietersen, who has returned home to the United Kingdom for Christmas.

Following the Stars' match against the Scorchers at the WACA, Handscomb will rejoin the squad on day three of the fourth Test.

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Allrounder Mitch Marsh posted his maiden Test ton in Perth after claiming Handscomb's place in the Test XI.

The Victorian's next chance to don the Baggy Green is likely to come on March 1, when Australia start a four-Test series in South Africa.

The 26-year-old spoke last week about why he opted against playing the Stars' BBL|07 season-opener against Brisbane Heat at the Gabba.

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"You need to be there ready to go with your long-format, Test skills," he told reporters.

"Rather than going back and trying to slog the white ball around and potentially changing a few things in your game.

"It's good to stay around the squad and make sure I'm ready to go if called upon."

The JLT Sheffield Shield is now on hold until the end of the Big Bash, meaning Handscomb won't be able to play first-class cricket until the Ashes is over.

"This is the harsh reality of the schedule now. The players know that and accept it but it's not easy for someone on the fringes of the Test team," former opener Simon Katich said earlier this month.

Paceman Dan Worrall and batsman Rob Quiney have also been included in the Stars' squad, with Seb Gotch making way.

Melbourne Stars squad: John Hastings (c), Michael Beer, Scott Boland, Ben Dunk, James Faulkner, Evan Gulbis, Peter Handscomb, Glenn Maxwell, Rob Quiney, Marcus Stoinis, Dan Worrall, Luke Wright, Adam Zampa.