The pup is about to start playing with the big dogs of world cricket.

Michael Clarke, the 23-year-old from Sydney's western suburbs, officially graduated from being the next big thing to Australia's 389th Test player when his raging nerves were settled by the early announcement on Tuesday of his selection for the series opener against India at Chinnaswamy Stadium.

Nicknamed "Pup" because of a youthful exuberance that makes him bat in a hurry and dash around the field like an excited border collie, Clarke will finally get to wear the baggy green cap he was first offered in the West Indies 18 months ago.

"I was given a baggy green to wear in a tour game if necessary," he said.

"I decided I didn't want to put it on then. I didn't feel like I deserved it for a tour game.

"It was still wrapped up in the plastic and (team manager) Steve Bernard's got it, so I imagine it will be that same cap."

Clarke faces the toughest Test introduction imaginable against the likes of Harbhajan Singh and Anil Kumble in front of massive crowds on a treacherous, big-turning pitch after being told of his inclusion before Monday's net session.

"Everybody was a little bit nervous and a little bit anxious and just waiting to see what the selectors went for," said Clarke, who beat Victoria's Brad Hodge to the batting berth vacated by Ricky Ponting's broken thumb.

"I was sitting in the change room. I was just looking at the ground and just waiting, not knowing who they were going to select.

"I don't know if it really sank in. You hear your name read out but it was kind of just another day, another training session.

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