India tour of Australia 2011/12

Bailey to lead Australia in T20s, White dropped

Australian selectors have announced the 14-man squad for the two T20 internationals against India. Uncapped batsman George Bailey has been appointed as new Australia's T20 captain in place of Cameron White, who was dropped from the squad.

Australian selectors have announced the 14-man squad for the two T20 internationals against India. Uncapped batsman George Bailey has been appointed as new Australia's T20 captain in place of Cameron White, who was dropped from the squad.

White was excluded from the squad after having a pathetic Bigh Bash League as he has managed just 55 runs at an average of eight in the BBL this season. Though, Bailey, who is Tasmania's captain, has not done anything extraordinary either as he scored just 114 runs at an average of 19.

"The Australian T20 team has been ranked a rather disappointing sixth in the world and we've certainly considered that the team needs refreshment. It would be fair to say the national selection panel has been discussing this T20 squad for six or seven weeks,"

"If you look at [Bailey's] record as captain ... I'm of the view that Tasmania have done particularly well in recent years because of the leadership they've had, the well-defined leadership of Daniel Marsh and ... then George has taken over. Last season they won the Shield under George, the year before they won the one-day competition under George. The results are there,"

"He's widely respected throughout Australia. Those who play with him regard him very highly as a captain and as a leader. We've seen from Michael Clarke's leadership, he has done very well not least because of his astute decision making on the field and George certainly has that too," John Inverarity, chairman of selectors, said.

In another surprising move, the 40-year-old left-arm spinner Brad Hogg, who took retirement from international cricket in 2008, has been recalled to the T20 squad.

"In my conversation with Brad it was that it would be the World Cup and that if he was selected our interest with him wouldn't go beyond that. Of course it could change. But that's the general intention ... Two months ago we probably weren't thinking about Brad Hogg. [BBL] games have changed when he's come on to bowl. He has been outstanding," said Inverarity.

All-rounder James Faulkner has been included in the squad for the first time. While, batsman Travis Brit was recalled to the national squad after almost two years.

Squad: George Bailey (capt), David Warner (vice-capt), Travis Birt, Dan Christian, Xavier Doherty, James Faulkner, Aaron Finch, Brad Hogg, David Hussey, Brett Lee, Mitchell Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Clint McKay, Matthew Wade (wk)