George Bailey’s inability to make an impact with the bat during the recent Ashes series has seen the popular Tasmanian dropped from the upcoming Australia v South Africa series.
Bailey failed to produce in first innings despite playing in each of the five Tests in Australia’s dominant win.
Phil Hughes’ strong play of late in the Sheffield Shield also wasn’t enough to earn him a spot while batsmen Batsmen Alex Doolan and Shaun Marsh and bowlers James Pattinson and Jackson Bird were added to the 15-man Test squad.
The four inclusions will fight for a spot in the first Test team that will see Australia debut in Centurion on February 12.
Comments by Cricket Australia chairman of selectors John Inverarity shed light on the decision.
“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.
The inclusion of either Marsh or Doolan could result in Australia shaking up the batting lineup, possibly moving Shane Watson from the No.3 spot.
The decision to leave Hughes out the squad may prove to be a dubious one- the left-hander has averaged a solid 61 from nine Sheffield Shield innings, including two centuries and one double century. Doolan has produced just one century at an average of 39.1 per innings.
Australia 15-man Test squad
Michael Clarke (c) (NSW), Brad Haddin (vc) (NSW), Jackson Bird (TAS), Alex Doolan (TAS), James Faulkner (TAS), Ryan Harris (QLD), Mitchell Johnson (WA), Shaun Marsh (WA), Nathan Lyon (NSW), James Pattinson (VIC), Chris Rogers (VIC), Peter Siddle (VIC), Steve Smith (NSW), David Warner (NSW), Shane Watson (NSW)
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