Bailey: Being older doesn't make it easier

The uncapped George Bailey has drawn on the experience of former Australia batsman Rob Quiney ahead of the first Ashes Test, which will get underway in Brisbane on Thursday.

The uncapped George Bailey has drawn on the experience of former Australia batsman Rob Quiney ahead of the first Ashes Test, which will get underway in Brisbane on Thursday.

Bailey's outstanding form in the recent ODI series in India, which brought three half-tons and a century, has earned a maiden call-up to the Test squad. Fast bowler Mitchell Johnson, meanwhile, has been included too.

Quiney debuted against South Africa in November 2012, and only managed nine runs in three innings before being dropped. Bailey, understandably, wants to put in a considerably stronger performance.

"Having been around this side for a little bit I know what it's like but I think this build-up is going to be completely different so there's a sense of anticipation there and not really sure what it's all going to be like," said Bailey.

"But I've had the chance to talk to Rob over the last few days and the overriding thing from them is just been to make sure you enjoy it and sometimes in these situations you have to remind yourself of that because there's a lot going on.


"I wanted to talk to Bobby to see how his perspective was and see how he felt about his couple of Tests, how he dealt with the pressure and expectation externally and how he dealt with it himself. He's a good man to talk to, such a terrific bloke and down to earth. It was a big adjustment. The main message from him was to make sure you enjoy it."

The 31-year-old Bailey will become the oldest batsman to debut for Australia since the talented Jess Moss 34 years ago. Moss only played one match, against Pakistan in Perth. Bailey, again, will be determined to do better.

"I'm not sure being older makes it easier but I think having played the other formats, in terms of with crowd build-up, media stuff, that will be a little bit easier to handle," he added.

"The advantage of being 31, you only get one crack at it, so I'll go out there, I'll be me. I'll play the way I play and I won't go out trying to be anything but myself. And that's a good thing."

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