Surprised new Australian one-day squad member George Bailey says his call-up is the kind of breakthrough that has sparked international careers.

The Tasmanian skipper is the beneficiary of Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke’s unexpected dash home from New Zealand for personal reasons.

Clarke is believed to have rushed to the side of his celebrity fiancee Lara Bingle following her recent nude photo drama.

While Bailey was unaware of the details of Clarke’s situation, he said his own focus was on seizing the opportunity.

“I obviously read that Michael was coming home in the paper, which is unfortunate for him,” Bailey told reporters in Melbourne, where he had been preparing for a Sheffield Shield match against Victoria.

“But so many Australian players have grabbed that opportunity when that’s been handed to them, that’s how a lot of people have made their starts.

“So I’m very excited for myself and Michael will obviously work through his issues.”

The 27-year-old batsman, who received the call on Tuesday morning, said he had no clue it was coming.

But he was confident of being prepared for a potential international debut in one of the remaining one-dayers against the Kiwis, on Thursday or Saturday.

“I’m ready to play, I’ve hit so many balls over the summer, I feel like I’m in pretty good form at the moment, so it’s just a matter of ticking over.”

Bailey’s call-up rewarded him for scoring 538 runs at 59.77 in this season’s domestic one-day competition, in which he captained his state to the title.

His run tally trailed only Victorian veteran Brad Hodge.

“It’s the first time I’ve batted at four, so it’s probably a bit of opportunity, I suppose, a bit longer to settle into my innings,” Bailey said.

“I suppose it’s just getting to that age where you’ve played a few games and you’re more comfortable with your game and how you go about building an innings.”

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said Bailey deserved his chance for an outstanding season in all forms of the game.

“He is a talented and exciting batsman and we are confident if the opportunity arises he will perform well at international level for Australia,” Hilditch said.

© AAP 2012

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