George Bailey to become Australia selector

Melbourne: Former limited overs specialist George Bailey will join Australia’s selectors panel after the conclusion of the domestic Big Bash Twenty20 tournament, Cricket Australia (CA) said on Wednesday.

Bailey, 37, replaces former captain Greg Chappell who retired from his Cricket Australia roles as selector and national talent manager at the end of September.

Bailey will draw the curtain on his playing career with Tasmania state and Big Bash side Hobart Hurricanes in early February to take on the role of selector full-time, CA said in a statement.

He will initially serve as a “National Teams adviser” for Cricket Australia and work closely with head coach Justin Langer and selector Trevor Hohns before joining the selectors panel in a full-time capacity upon his retirement, CA said.

“I am passionate about the long-term success of the Australian cricket team and advancing the cause of Australian cricket in general,” Bailey, who played five Tests, 90 One Day Internationals and 30 Twenty20 internationals, said.

“I’m confident I can add value to the selection process and that my experience will be complementary to that of Trevor and Justin. I am really excited to be joining them in the coming months.”

Bailey is expected to focus on selections for the Australia T20 team, with Australia to host the T20 World Cup in less than a year.