This paper presents a novel cross-layer approach to explore selection diversity for distributed clustering based wireless sensor networks (WSNs) by selecting a proper cluster-head. We develop and analyze an instantaneous channel state information (CSI) based cluster-head selection algorithm for a distributed, dynamic and randomized clustering based WSN. The proposed cluster-head selection scheme is also random and capable to distribute the energy uses among the nodes in the network. We present an analytical approach to evaluate the energy efficiency and system lifetime of our proposal. Analysis shows that the proposed scheme outperforms the performance of additive white Gaussian noise (AWGN) channel under Rayleigh fading environment. This proposal also outperforms the existing cooperative diversity protocols in terms of system lifetime and implementation complexity.