Australia test squad to tour India

Phil Hughes has returned from a dislocated shoulder while Peter George and Josh Hazlewood will add a green tinge to the pace attack for the Australian Test tour of India.

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.

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.

"While it was disappointing to draw the series in England against Pakistan, the squad reflects the good performances of the team over the last 12 months as we continue to prepare for the Ashes."

Australian physio Alex Kountouris said Haddin would likely be available for the three-match limited overs series that follows the two Tests in Chandigarh and Bangalore.

"Brad Haddin is making good progress with rehabilitation of his elbow tendon injury," said Kountouris.

"He is due to commence restricted batting in the next few weeks but will not be available to play in the Test component.

"He is on track to be available for club cricket and for New South Wales with the possibility of being available for selection in the India or Sri Lanka One-day International series."

Young batsman Callum Ferguson and pace bowler Ryan Harris are two players who will push for selection in the one day matches as they return from knee injuries.

Squad:

Ricky Ponting (captain), Michael Clarke, Doug Bollinger, Peter George, Nathan Hauritz, Josh Hazlewood, Ben Hilfenhaus, Phillip Hughes, Michael Hussey, Mitchell Johnson, Simon Katich, Marcus North, Tim Paine, Steven Smith, Shane Watson.