AUSTRALIA could throw Hampshire’s plans for the 2013 season into chaos by calling up George Bailey for the Ashes series.

Bailey has been signed by the Royals as their main overseas player for the coming season, writes AHMER KHOKHAR.

He is expected to join up with Hampshire prior to the start of the campaign in April, and be with them until early August when he departs ahead of the England v Australia one day series.

But that would change if Bailey, currently uncapped by his country, is called up in the wake of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey’s retirements from the international scene.

“I’m aware there’s an opportunity there,” said Bailey when asked about his Test possibilities by the Australian media.

“I don’t think anything’s a dress rehearsal, I don’t know how many games I’ll get to play for Australia.”

Prior to the Ashes, Australia tour India and Bailey’s name has been mentioned by several pundits Down Under as a possible tourist.

Full story in today's Daily Echo