Bailey joins legends of cricket

DAVID Boon was the groundbreaker, Ricky Ponting the greatest, but George Bailey has been just as loved as these two legends.

While his pure numbers don’t stack up against Boon and Ponting, it was his leadership qualities and positive outlook on cricket and life that endeared Bailey to all cricket fans, but particularly in his home state.

Tonight will be the last time Tasmanians can see Bailey in action live at the highest level as he takes to Blundstone Arena to face the Thunder — and it would be fitting to see a packed venue to say thank you one last time for his years of service to his state.

He has brought so much joy to Tasmanian sporting fans being part of the state’s golden era — winning three Sheffield Shields and three one-day titles, as well as representing Australia at Test level and captaining the nation in 50-over and T20 cricket.

The fact he was appointed Australia’s T20 cricket before he had been selected to play for his nation speaks volumes of how high highly he was regarded in cricketing circles.

But he was no mug with the bat either. At his peak he was one of the best 50-over batsmen in the world, and continually propelled Australia, the Tigers or the Hurricanes to victory with his at times quirky stance and flashing blade.

But it is the radiant smile that has been glued to his face through thick and thin for his 20-year career that all cricketing fans will remember when they think of George Bailey.

Responsibility for all editorial comment is taken by the Editor, Jenna Cairney, Level 1, 2 Salamanca Square, Hobart, TAS, 7000