Smith replaces Finch as Australia's skipper for World T20

Australia have chosen one-day skipper Steve Smith over Aaron Finch to lead the upcoming World T20, which will be played in India next month.

The 29-year-old Finch, who suffered a hamstring injury during the second game of the three-match series against India in Melbourne, took the job of captaincy in October 2014.

National selector Rod Marsh said that Finch had led the team extremely well in T20 cricket and would remain a highly-respected leader for the entire squad, Sport24 reported.

Marsh further defended their decision, saying it is right time for Smith to take over as Australian captain in all three forms of the game and insisted that it would offer the team with more continuity in the long run.

Jubilant with the announcement, Smith said he is looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Besides Smith, Australia have also brought in Peter Nevill to replace Matthew Wade as a wicketkeeper.

Ashton Agar and Adam Zampa, both yet to represent Australia in T20 cricket, have also been included in the squad and they would be complemented by part-time off-spinner Glenn Maxwell.

Nathan Coulter-Nile and James Faulkner, who were suffering from their respective injuries, have also been included in the 15-man squad after proving their fitness.

Australian squad: Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Shane Watson, Steve Smith (captain), Glenn Maxwell, Mitch Marsh, James Faulkner, John Hastings, Peter Nevill, Adam Zampa, Josh Hazlewood, Aaron Finch, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ashton Agar, Andrew Tye.