A DAY after being named as Australia's one-day skipper for Friday's clash against England, George Bailey was yesterday dumped from next month's Test squad to tour South Africa.
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But in positive news Bailey was last night named Australia's one-day player of the year at the Allan Border Medal count in Melbourne.
But Bailey's Test pain could be Alex Doolan's gain, with the fellow NTCA graduate named for his first Test tour.
The 31-year-old has paid a price for his substandard output in the Ashes whitewash, where he managed just 183 runs at an average of 23.64 without a century.
That combined with a fear that the former South Launceston batsman would not be able to prosper against the world's best pace attack of Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Morne Morkel forced the selection panel to act, national selection panel chairman John Inverarity said.
``I think George's contribution to the Ashes victory was very significant,'' he said.
``But going to South Africa, we think George is less suited to (playing) there against their attack.''
Bailey's place in the XI could be taken by Doolan, who scored 161 against the touring South Africans last summer.
Inverarity was full of praise for the 28-year-old, who has made 3375 first-class runs in 53 matches at an average of 37.92.
``Those of us that have seen him play when he plays he looks a very good player,'' he said.
``He has a good technique, time, plays pace bowling well, so we're hoping he will really flourish in the environment.''
Doolan was one of three Tasmanians selected, with paceman Jackson Bird recalled after recovering from the back injury that ended his Ashes tour in the winter. All-rounder James Faulkner retained his place.
Meanwhile, Twenty20 skipper Bailey, who will captain in Perth on Friday as Michael Clarke has a rest, and Faulkner were the only two Tasmanians named in the T20 squad for the three games against England, which start on January 29 at Bellerive Oval.
Xavier Doherty and Ben Laughlin were overlooked.