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White, red ball form the same: Bailey

White ball or red ball, Test call-up George Bailey says it makes no difference to his form.

Bailey’s stunning one-day performances have been rewarded with a debut in the Ashes series beginning next week.

The Australian Twenty20 captain averages a superb 54.96 in one-day internationals but, as has been well documented, managed just 18.28 per Sheffield Shield innings last summer.

He returned from India having made 478 runs at 95.6 to make 34 and 41 in the Shield clash with Queensland last week.

But the 31-year-old said there would be no difference in his approach when he wears the baggy green for the first time at the Gabba.

“I don’t really think of it that way,” he told reporters in Hobart.

“It’s just good form, so just hit the ball.

“It’s the same approach and I feel very comfortable with where I’m at at the moment.”

Bailey said his time in the middle against fired-up Queensland quick Ryan Harris had been good preparation, as had his recent experience in the international arena.

“Hopefully having done that, having faced all of the England bowlers over the last couple of years … that will all hopefully be positive,” he said.

Speculation had swirled since his Indian tally began to mount that he would bat at No.6 for Australia, with Tasmanian teammate Alex Doolan considered his main rival.

Bailey said he had never believed the hype.

“Most of the excitement came from the same people who have written me off for most of my career so I wasn’t that fussed by any of that,” he said.

Doolan, averaging 73 from his two Shield matches this season, can consider himself unlucky.

The 27-year-old has been tipped to feature for Australia at some point during the summer.

“I think he’s close and I wouldn’t have been surprised at all if they’ve gone for Dools,” Bailey said.

“He’ll be in the mix right throughout this summer.”

And Bailey admits he’s on his only chance of making a Test career.

“I’m as excited as anyone to find out how I measure up,” he said.

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