Aussie Bailey signs for Hampshire

By Bruce Talbot

Hampshire have signed Australia's Twenty20 captain George Bailey as their overseas player for next season. The Tasmanian replaces Simon Katich, who has signed for Lancashire, and will be available for most of next summer.

Bailey, who captained Australia to the ICC World T20 semi-finals last month, said: "I've heard a lot of good reports about Hampshire as a county and am really looking forward to playing there next year.

“It's my first time playing for a county and the talks with Giles White have been very positive. I can see the guys did very well last year, and knowing that I'm joining a side that has tasted a lot of success in recent times but wants to get even better is a real attraction.”

Bailey has not played for a county before but has had two stints with Scotland in the 2007 Friends Provident Trophy and the 2010 Clydesdale Bank 40.

Hampshire manager Giles White said: “We are excited by the arrival of George, who fits the age profile of the squad well and adds further leadership and batting quality to the group. He is available for most of the season, which was an important factor, and we hope this is the start of an ongoing relationship.”

Hampshire have also signed Neil McKenzie for a fourth season, but the South African batsman will not be available till June. Meanwhile, Bilal Shafayat has not been retained.


Date: 22/11/2012 22:55:00 by Bruce Talbot
In: Today | Hampshire |