South Africa batsman Rassie van der Dussen will make his test debut in the first match of the series against England starting on Thursday.
Ben Stokes returned to practice with England on Wednesday after the condition of his critically ill father improved.
It's been a long time between Boxing Day tests for Australia's closest cricketing neighbor.
"It doesn't mean anything," Howe, 42, told reporters when asked about the advantage he had over Spaniard Arteta.
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