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George Bailey: BBL title would cap career

George Bailey of the Hurricanes during the Big Bash League (BBL) T20 match between the Hobart Hurricanes and the Sydney Thunder at University of Tasmania Stadium in Launceston, Saturday, December 30, 2017. (AAP Image/Rob Blakers)
3rd February, 2018
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George Bailey says leading the Hobart Hurricanes to the BBL title would be a career highlight.

The 35-year-old veteran is eyeing the Hurricanes’ first BBL trophy when they meet the Adelaide Strikers in Sunday’s final in Adelaide.

And when asked if a BBL title would be a career highlight, Bailey has no hesitation.

“It absolutely would,” he said.

“The tournament has gone from strength to strength over the last couple of years.

“For domestic cricketers it’s one of the great competitions – big crowds, just an air of excitement throughout the whole summer – so it would be huge to win.”

The Hurricanes snuck into the BBL finals when other results fell their way, and then thrashed defending champions Perth Scorchers in a semi-final.

“We felt pretty grateful to make the finals once we sort of left our destiny in other teams’ hands,” Bailey said.

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“We played a terrific game the other night which gives us great confidence.”

Hobart’s run-machine D’Arcy Short returns for the final from Australian Twenty20 duties, as do Adelaide pair Travis Head and Alex Carey.

Short tops the BBL run-scoring this tournament with 504 runs, with Carey (425 runs) next-best and Head (330 runs) fourth on the list.

The Strikers are also seeking their first BBL title after a one-run semi-final victory against Melbourne Renegades.

“This has been a special season for us at the Strikers,” vice-captain Colin Ingram said.

“The belief has been good all the way through which has been encouraging.

“Everyone is in the best space we have been in through the season and it has been great to put it together right towards the back end.”

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