Hogg recalled, Bailey made captain for Aus T20 squad
Left arm spinner Brad Hogg, who retired from international cricket in 2008, has been named in Australia's T20 squad to play two matches against India next month. Hogg, aged 40, has been in excellent form in the ongoing Big Bash league, where his team Perth Scorchers have made it to the finals. The selectors have also left out Cameron White following a poor season with the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash. White was named Australia's captain in January last year, after Michael Clarke retired from the T20 format, but poor form and lack of results has cost him his place in the team. Tasmania's George Bailey, who is yet to play a game for Australia, has been named captain of the squad.
"The NSP unanimously favoured George Bailey as Captain of the T20 team. George is a very good T20 player with a sound record," Inverarity said. "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.
"Meticulous preparation then needs to be accompanied by cool split-second decision making throughout the 120 events when the team is in the field. A captain can have a most significant impact on a game even if he does not bowl or get to the crease. The NSP is looking to the new leadership of Mickey Arthur, Bailey and David Warner to drive a focused, disciplined and fiercely determined culture in this team."
Inverarity said that the selection panel wanted Australia to improve their T20 performances, and had the upcoming T20 World Cup in mind while picking the squad.
"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," he said. "The NSP has the T20 World Cup to be held in Sri Lanka in September to the fore in its mind with these selections.
"The T20 squad is a strong all-round team. It has batting depth with a good mix of left and right handers, bowlers who have an abundance of specific T20 skills, excellent fielders, plenty of energy and assertiveness and excellent leadership."
The first T20 match will be held on Wednesday, February 1, at Sydney and it will be followed by another game at Melbourne on February 3rd.
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)
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