Cricket: Bailey replaces Clarke in Aussie side

ADELAIDE - Tasmanian George Bailey has been named to join the limited overs segment of the Australian cricket tour of New Zealand, but the selectors are unable to name the test squad until they can speak to vice-captain Michael Clarke.

The announcement of the squad to play two tests against the New Zealanders had been pencilled in for today, before Clarke's unexpected dash home to Sydney from New Zealand put matters on hold.

Chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch and his panel remain unsure of whether Clarke will return - he is believed to have rushed to the side of his celebrity fiancee Lara Bingle following her recent nude photo drama - and cannot name the test side until they are better informed.

Clarke's exit from New Zealand was so hurried that some of his teammates were unaware he had left, having spoken only to senior figures, including captain Ricky Ponting and coach Tim Nielsen.

Bailey, meanwhile, has been rewarded for his versatile batting and firm captaincy, which led the Tigers to victory over Victoria in the final of the Australian one-day domestic competition.

"Due to Michael Clarke returning to Australia for personal reasons, the national selection panel has today added George Bailey to the one day squad," Hilditch said today.

"George is having an outstanding season in all forms of the game and richly deserves this opportunity to join the Australian squad.

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

- AAP