New seamers included in India squad

CLINT McKay has missed selection in favour of novice seamers Peter George and Josh Hazlewood as part of the Australian Test squad for India.

George was close to selection against Pakistan in England, called into the squad when Ben Hilfenhaus was in doubt.

But McKay due for duty with the Victorian side in the Twenty20 Champions Lerague in Siouth Africa, has been passed over for Test selection after playing against the Pakistanis.

Wicketkeeping duties will again be taken by the young Tasmanian Tim Paine as first-choice gloveman Brad Haddin continues his slow recovery from an elbow tendon injury. But Haddin's NSW teammate, opener Phil Huighes, returns from injury.

The party of 15 reflected the national selectors' satisfaction with the squad's progress over the past 18 months, despite only mixed results against Pakistan on the recent tour of England

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said he believed the group was building nicely towards the home Ashes series this summer, but acknowledged the size of the task on the subcontinent.

"India is ranked number one in Test cricket and there is no harder assignment in Test cricket at the moment than playing India on their home soil,'' he said.