Veteran Hogg recalled to Australia's Twenty20 squad

Tasmanian George Bailey replaces Cameron White, who was dropped from the squad, as Australia's Twenty20 captain while veteran Brad Hogg, having retired from ODIs in 2008, makes a comeback in the 14-man squad for the two Twenty20 internationals against India slated for February 1 and 3.

Hogg, who will turn 41 next month, was a surprise inclusion in the squad. He made a brilliant comeback in Big Bash and played a crucial role in the success of grand finalists the Perth Scorchers.

Hogg will be playing his first match for Australia since his one-day farewell against India in March 2008.

The 29-year-old Bailey, who plays alongside White in the Melbourne Stars, had captained Australia A in the drawn tour match against New Zealand at Allan Border Field in November. David Warner has been appointed as the vice-captain.

National Selection Panel (NSP) chairman John Inverarity said Bailey will be an outstanding captain.

"The NSP unanimously favoured George Bailey as Captain of the T20 team. George is a very good T20 player with a sound record. He is widely respected and regarded as an outstanding captain, having had sustained success in this role. The role of the captain is especially important in fast moving T20 cricket," he said.

Notable omissions include then vice-captain Shane Watson and young bowlers Pat Cummins and James Pattinson, all due to injuries.

Commenting on the squad, Inverarity said: “Australia's T20 Team has been ranked a disappointing 6th in World Rankings. It is considered that the team needs refreshment and a number of changes have been made.

“The NSP has been discussing this T20 squad for about six weeks and has unanimously decided on the squad, the captain and the vice-captain. The selectors consider this to be a very well balanced T20 squad and look forward to the team acquitting itself very well. The NSP has the T20 World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka in September to the fore in its mind with these selections."

Inverarity said Hogg deserves a place in the side after his outstanding performance in the Big Bash.

“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," he said. 

The Australian squad assembles in Sydney January 29. They play India at the ANZ Stadium February 1 while the second game is February 3 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG).

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