TASMANIAN captain George Bailey has fallen agonisingly short of securing a dream win for his English county side Sussex.
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In a thrilling one-day Royal London Cup match against Middlesex, the 32-year-old World Cup winner produced an inspirational batting performance at Hove’s County Ground.
Chasing a rain-affected target of 309 off 40 overs, Bailey smashed 112 from 76 balls, racing from 50 to his century in just 27 deliveries.
Batting at four and joining former Melbourne Stars teammate Luke Wright at the crease at 2-114 in the 15th over, the former South Launceston batsman dug in as wickets tumbled around him.
Bailey was on strike when Sussex started the final over needing 17.
He hit a boundary and then scampered a couple of twos from the first three balls from James Harris but was then run out turning for another second by Andrew Balbirnie’s throw from deep square leg.
Teammate Chris Liddle was unable to hit the required six off the last ball and Sussex finished on 305-9, handing Middlesex a three-run Duckworth-Lewis victory.
Bailey’s personal contribution was widely hailed in the English media.
The BBC called it ‘‘magnificent’’ while the Guardian reported: ‘‘This innings was a reminder of why Bailey was made Australia’s one-day captain. He hit nine fours and three sixes and, had he not been run out in the final over with Sussex needing nine from three balls, he might have got them over the line.’’
Brighton’s Argus newspaper added: ‘‘It was a commendable effort by the home side, and in particular Bailey, but a fourth defeat in Group B has ended their chances of qualifying.’’
Despite Bailey’s performance, Nick Gubbins was named player of the match for his 141 in Middlesex’s highest ever one-day total.
Bailey’s previous one-day innings for Sussex had been 5, 18 and 22 although he scored 76 and 109 not out in his last two Second XI digs.