George Bailey chooses family over Hampshire deal
George Bailey © Getty Images[/caption] George Bailey had signed two-year deal with Hampshire on 2016. Bailey was the captain of Hampshire in last year’s county championship. Prior to that, Bailey had spent brief period with Hampshire in 2013. He has also had county spells with Middlesex and Sussex. However, Bailey would not be returning to Hampshire this year. He has chosen to stay alongside his expecting wife over the county deal. Bailey’s wife Katie is due to deliver their second child at the end of April. On opting out of the county deal, Bailey told cricket.com.au, “I reckon there would have been a time where I would have chosen cricket over family. But now it's not even a decision, really. I love spending time with my family and I think it's had a really positive impact on my cricket. I wouldn't advocate that for 24-year-olds, that's just where I am and it's working out really well.” Bailey, however, praised the return of old blokes to the Australian squad like Shaun Marsh, Cameron White and Tim Paine. Yet, Bailey is unsure of how long he could lend his services to the national side, “Your motivation changes, there's no doubt. Your drive for a long time is to play for your country. I can honestly see a really great horizon coming. I don't think I'll be there for the greatest years of Tassie's renaissance, but I want to be there for long enough to make an impact.” Bailey had also not kept his name forward for IPL. With the new addition in family and on playing IPL, Bailey jokingly said, “It would have been either in IPL or divorce.” Bailey had led Hobart Hurricanes to the final of BBL 2017-18. Bailey was even awarded Australia's Domestic Player of the Year on Monday evening at the Allan Border Medal 2018. Bailey still has cricket left in him. The Tasmanian Tigers remain well in contention for the JLT Sheffield Shield decider in March.