Bailey axed for South Africa

George Bailey’s brief but unblemished Test career seems finished after he was dumped from Australia’s 15-man touring party for next month’s three-Test series against the world’s best team in South Africa.

Bailey, who kept his place throughout the recent five-nil Ashes whitewash despite modest performances at number six, has been overlooked in favour of uncapped Tasmanian batsman Alex Doolan and Shaun Marsh who returns to the Test set-up after almost two years on the outer.

The other significant additions to the 15-man Test squad were pace bowlers James Pattinson and Jackson Bird, both of whom have Test experience and have recovered from recent long-term back injuries, and have vaulted in front of Nathan Coulter-Nile in the quicks’ queue.

Coulter-Nile was placed on standby for several of the Ashes Tests this summer, but now that Pattinson and Bird are fit and back and playing they were deemed a better bet should back-up bowlers be needed for the Tests in Centurion, Cape Town and Port Elizabeth.

Chairman of selectors John Inverarity said the decision to axe Bailey was a difficult one, but it was made because Doolan and Marsh – both top order specialists – have games that will be better suited to South African conditions where seam bowling will dominate.

“This was a difficult decision, but on this occasion we felt Alex and Shaun have games that are well suited to facing South Africa in South Africa,” Inverarity said.

“We consider that both are strong players of pace bowling which is important given the strength of South Africa’s attack.

“Alex was on standby for the recent fifth Test in Sydney and scored a most impressive 165 not out against South Africa for Australia A last season.

“Shaun is a talented batsman who is striking the ball very well at the moment. He has the technique and potential to do well.

“On this occasion these two batsmen were preferred to Phillip Hughes who we feel is best suited to a top order position. Phillip remains a highly regarded batsman whose time will come.”

Bailey’s limited footwork and propensity to edge to catchers behind the wicket was exposed by England’s pace bowlers during the Ashes.

The decision to axe an incumbent member of the Test team not only from the XI but from a wider touring party is bold, but not without precedent.

Victorian batsman Brad Hodge was overlooked for the corresponding three-Test tour of South Africa in 2006 despite having scored an unbeaten Test double century in Perth against the Proteas just weeks before that squad was chosen.

On that occasion, it was deemed that South Africa’s seamers would have the measure of Hodge’s technical shortcomings against the seaming ball and Damien Martyn returned from injury to take his place.

Hodge played just two more Tests.

The decision to dump Bailey also provides coach Darren Lehmann and captain Michael Clarke with greater flexibility when settling on a Test XI, as both Marsh and Doolan could slot into the middle-order or fill the number three berth if they decide to move all-rounder Shane Watson down to number six.

Or should they opt to overlook Watson altogether in favour of recent Carlton Mid-Strength ODI Series hero James Faulkner.

The first choice bowling line-up remains intact from the Ashes series, but immediate replacements are available should one of the incumbents break down or fail to come up during the short break between Tests.

“James Pattinson is regaining fitness and form. At his best he is a fine Test match bowler.,” Inverarity said. “Jackson Bird shaded out Nathan Coulter-Nile for the final bowling position and each of these bowlers is showing encouraging form.

“The majority of the squad will depart on 29 January with the exception of  James Faulkner who will remain behind to play in the T20 Series and join the team during the warm-up game in Potchefstroom.

“The selection panel is supporting Darren Lehmann and Michael Clarke in their strong desire to give this Test series the highest priority and have the best possible preparation for the players who have performed so admirably this summer.

“As such some Test players and others were not considered for the KFC T20 International squad.”

Australia Test squad for South Africa: Michael Clarke(c), Brad Haddin (vc), Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson.