GEORGE Bailey deserves his chance to play Test cricket according to a top Australian coach.

The 30-year-old batsman, pictured, started the 2013 summer as Hampshire’s main overseas player, but managed just five Championship games before he joined up with Australia’s Champions Trophy squad.

After his country’s early exit from the tournament, he was deemed surplus to requirements at The Ageas Bowl after the arrival of Pakistan bowler Sohail Tanvir.

Bailey remains on Ashes standby.

“George is definitely good enough for Test cricket,” said Hobart Hurricanes coach Damien Wright, the former Australian seam bowler who had spells with Northants, Sussex, Somerset and Glamorgan.

“He’s proved he can bat for long periods on many occasions.

“I know that first hand because, in my last season for Victoria, in 2010-11, George made a brilliant 150 in a Sheffield Shield game in Hobart against us [Victoria].

“We just couldn’t get him out and he was the difference between the two teams.

“Yes, his form wasn’t as good as he would have liked in the Shield last season but players can have good years and not so good years.

“George is too good a player to not improve.”

Wright continued: “I’ve just taken over as Hobart Hurricanes coach for next season’s Big Bash and we are talking to George right now about leading the side.

“His leadership is second to none and his experience and batting ability are qualities we need to be successful next season.

“He’s on Ashes standby so that tells you how close he is to playing Test cricket.

“Hopefully he will get his chance sooner rather than later because he’s a quality player.”

Bailey captained Australia in the Champions Trophy in Michael Clarke’s injury-enforced absence. And he is expected to skipper his country again in the two-match t20 series which follows the Ashes.

Bailey should also be included in the five-game ODI series that takes place after the t20 matches and an ODI against Scotland.