Australia call on Bailey
Mar 09 2010 - 07:59:00
Tasmania captain George Bailey was called up to the Australia one-day squad currently touring New Zealand following Michael Clarke's sudden return home.
Cricket Australia confirmed on Monday that Clarke had left the squad and returned home 'for personal reasons', but - with only 12 players remaining in New Zealand - selectors elected to call on the services of Bailey, who has impressed in the Ford Ranger Cup this season.
"Due to Michael Clarke returning to Australia for personal reasons, the NSP (National Selection Panel) has added George Bailey to the one-day squad," said NSP chairman Andrew Hilditch.
"George is having an outstanding season in all forms of the game and richly deserves this opportunity to join the Australian squad.
"George is a talented and exciting batsman and we are confident if the opportunity arises he will perform well at international level for Australia."
Bailey is determined to take his chance and said: "There are so many Australian players who have grabbed that opportunity when that's been handed to them and that's how a lot of people have made their start."
The Tigers skipper received his call-up on the back of a stellar Ford Ranger Cup season which saw him belt 538 runs, including one century and five fifties, at an average of 59.78.
Only Victoria veteran Brad Hodge (622) scored more runs than Bailey this campaign.
Bailey credited a shift in the batting order as one of the catalysts for his dominant 2009/10.
"It's the first time I've batted at four so it's probably a bit of (an) opportunity I suppose, a bit longer to settle into my innings. And I suppose just getting to that age where you've played a few games and you're just more comfortable with your game and how you go about building an innings, so it was a nice year."