THE uncapped George Bailey has been named as Australia’s new Twenty20 captain after previous skipper Cameron White was dropped from the squad to face India.
White has been in poor form and has paid for it by being left out of the 14-man squad for the matches on February 1 and 3. There is also a surprise recall for 40-year-old spinner Brad Hogg as well fellow veteran Brett Lee.
White, who had replaced Michael Clarke as Twenty20 captain after the Test skipper quit the format, was dumped after averaging just 7.85 with the bat in the Big Bash League.
Hogg, who turns 41 next month, returns to the side following an outstanding BBL campaign with the Perth Scorchers where he took 12 wickets and proved to be one of the competition’s most effective bowlers.
Lee is the only player from the Sydney Sixers in the squad despite the Sixers booking their spot in the Big Bash League final with victory over the Hobart Hurricanes on Sunday night.
“Brett Lee and Bradley Hogg are the veterans in the team and provide a pleasing blend of experience with the youth and relative inexperience in the squad,” national selection panel chairman John Inverarity said.
“Brad Hogg’s bowling has been outstanding and his case for inclusion was compelling. He has had a real impact in the BBL in recent weeks.”
Hogg is joined by Scorchers team-mates Mitchell and Shaun Marsh, while the Melbourne Stars have five representatives including captain Bailey, who impressed selectors with his captaincy for Australia A against New Zealand in November.
Hurricanes star Travis Birt, the leading run-scorer in the Big Bash League, also earned selection, along with Renegades opener Aaron Finch.
Star all-rounder Shane Watson remains unavailable due to his ongoing fitness problems.

Australia T20 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 (wkp.).