Australia bet on Bailey for first Ashes test

Wednesday, 13 November 2013 00:19 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

SYDNEY(Reuters): Australia have included uncapped George Bailey in their 12-man squad for the first Ashes encounter against England next week in a gamble the 31-year-old can replicate his “extraordinary” limited overs form in the test arena.

The righthanded batsman, who is likely to play at number six, boasts a first class average of 38 and earned his call-up on the back of his captaincy of Australia in the recent one-day series against India.Bailey’s batting success in India, a trip captain Michael Clarke skipped to rest his back injury, earned him the nod ahead of his Tasmania team mate Alex Doolan on Tuesday. “George Bailey has been in fantastic form with the bat,” head selector John Inverarity said at the team announcement in Brisbane. “His confidence is riding high, his performance in international one day cricket has been quite extraordinary and he’s very deserving of his opportunity.” Erratic fast bowler Mitchell Johnson was, as expected, recalled to join Peter Siddle and Ryan Harris in the pace attack for the test at the Gabba in Brisbane, which starts on Nov. 21. James Faulkner, who made his debut in the final test of the first Ashes series earlier this year, was included but is most likely to play only if fellow all-rounder Shane Watson fails to recover sufficiently from a hamstring injury to bowl. Squad: Chris Rogers, David Warner, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (captain), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon, James Faulkner.