Tasmanian great George Bailey to play final match in Tasmanian colours before joining national selection panel

Smarting from last week’s outright loss in two days, the Tigers will look to rebound against South Australia in what will be former captain George Bailey’s last appearance for his state.

THE desire to ensure George Bailey finishes his career in Tigers colours on a high isn’t lost on skipper Jordan Silk as the side looks to rebound from last week’s debacle.

Tasmania hosts South Australia starting tomorrow in the final round of the Sheffield Shield before the Big Bash break, in what will be Bailey’s last match for his state.

The former national white ball captain will see out the BBL summer with the Hurricanes, before moving into his new role as a national selector.

George Bailey lines up for his last match for Tasmania this weekend. Picture: AAP/Dan Peled

Having disintegrated in two days to Queensland at Blundstone Arena last week, the Tigers are desperate to regain their snarl against the winless Redbacks, not only to cap Bailey’s career but also remain in the fight for a top two spot.

“For me personally, it is real I guess and it will be my last game with George so I have definitely had a bit of think about it during the week and have thought of some of the memories I have with Bails,” Silk said.

“It will be in my thoughts most of this game but when it is time to bat and time to lead, those thoughts will hopefully dwindle and I can focus fully on the game ahead and what is in front of me.

“It will be a special week to be part of and hopefully we can send him out the right way with a win.”

Jordan Silk, left, and George Bailey run between the wickets in a Sheffield Shield match last season. Picture: AAP/Rob Blakers

Leading the state for the first time last week, Silk was as disappointed as anyone with the capitulation against the Bulls, but is confident the side can rebound.

“Internally I was very disappointed in my own performance and then frustrated with how the team played as well,” he said.

“It is not how we have gone about it the last 18 months to two years, we have been able to play some good, consistent cricket down here.

“You would like to hope it was just a bit of a blip and we are able to get things back on track this week.

“My first game in charge of a four-day game, I would like to think it doesn’t get much worse than that.”

Bulls players celebrate the wicket of Jake Doran of the Tigers as George Bailey, right, looks on during last week’s big loss. Picture: AAP

Selectors brought all-rounder Simon Milenko into the 13-man squad, with Beau Webster and Alex Pyecroft both omitted.

Shield coach Jeff Vaughan said while it was important to respond after last week, there was no extra emphasis on heading into the T20 break on a winning note.

“It’s important to bounce back from last week, I don’t think it is any more important winning this game versus the second game of the year or the fourth game of the year.

“We play 10 games and every one of them is equally important.”