Shaun Marsh dropped for Boxing Day Test

Steve Smith says Shaun Marsh is "extremely unlucky" to be dropped for the Boxing Day Test.

Smith confirmed on Christmas Day that Usman Khawaja will return to Australia's side for the MCG Test.

Khawaja's return to fitness created a selection showdown between Marsh and Joe Burns.

Rod Marsh's panel retained Burns ahead of Shaun Marsh, who scored 182 in the first Test against West Indies.

"There were lots of talks about it," Smith said.

"Shaun's obviously extremely unlucky to miss out."

Smith suggested selectors wanted continuity at the top of the order and valued Burns' partnership with David Warner.

"That was a big part of it. Joe's been playing quite good cricket, he scored a hundred only a couple of Tests ago," the skipper said.

"They average 80 as a pair and it's pretty important to have a good opening stand."

Selectors also had one eye on a two-Test tour of New Zealand in February.

"We were always talking about what's coming up as well," Smith said.

Khawaja's return is the only change to the side that thumped West Indies by an innings and 212 runs at Bellerive.