Tasmanian George Bailey is the new Australian Twenty20 captain replacing Cameron White, who has been cut from the squad to face India in two matches next month.

The other major selection shock is the return of veteran spinner Brad Hogg to international cricket.

Hogg is nearly 41 years of age and had retired back in 2008.

But after a brilliant comeback season for grand finalists the Perth Scorchers in the Big Bash League, Hogg is preparing to play his first match for Australia since his one-day farewell against India in March 08.

Bailey, 29, who plays alongside White in the Melbourne Stars in the BBL, will lead Australia against the Indians in Sydney and Melbourne.

Bailey, who is one of five Stars players to be named, captained Australia A in the drawn tour match against New Zealand at Allan Border Field in November.

Tasmanian Tigers skipper for the one-day and Sheffield Shield competition, Bailey is a surprise selection after compiling very modest Big Bash figures.

White scored just 55 runs at an average of eight, but Bailey only managed 114 runs at 19 himself for the tournament.

There have been a number of changes to the Australian squad which toured South Africa late last year, mostly due to injury.

Notable omissions include then vice-captain Shane Watson and young bowlers Pat Cummins and James Pattinson.

Australia play India at ANZ Stadium on February 1 with the second game two days later at the MCG.

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.