CRICKET Australia manager Pat Howard admits Hampshire’s decision to release George Bailey is “disappointing”.

Hampshire manager Giles White revealed that Sohail Tanvir will be the county’s only overseas player during their defence of the Friends Life t20, which begins against Surrey at The Ageas Bowl in two weeks’ time.

White added that Bailey “may come in if we have an injury”, but if all goes to plan Australia’s T20 captain has played his last game of the season for the Royals.

“It’s disappointing from George’s point of view because he can’t go back this season and we want him to play as much cricket as he can,” said Howard.

“But Hampshire’s decision isn’t a surprise because we've been in regular contact with George and with Hampshire so we knew where we stood.

“Hampshire have to make decisions which are right for them and we respect that.”

Bailey bookended his Hampshire career stint with 93 on debut against Leicestershire and 84 against Lancashire, scoring a total of 263 runs at 37.8 from five LV County Championship matches.

But he only managed 46 from his three one-day innings so Hampshire have decided to show faith in their young players.

And even though he is his country’s t20 skipper, Hampshire have decided Bailey wouldn’t fit into a top order expected to contain Jimmy Adams, Michael Carberry, James Vince, Neil McKenzie and Liam Dawson for their own t20 challenge.

“We’re going to finalise our A team tour to South Africa soon and we are going to sit down and work through what’s best for George in terms of playing more cricket after that series,” added Howard.

“He's got options in terms of returning to Tasmania for a rest before pre-season training and he could train with the Ashes squad.

“These are things we will work through but we are grateful that Hampshire have let George know and we appreciate their communication.”