George Bailey's off-season experimentation is paying dividends for the Tasmanian skipper.
The one-day international player on Saturday notched up an unbeaten 148 for the Tigers in their Sheffield Shield first innings against Queensland at Bellerive Oval.
It helped the home side to 7(dec)-433 to which Queensland replied with 2-117 by stumps.
After a few years without playing much Shield, Bailey was pretty chuffed with his performance.
"A nice 100 to put us in a really commanding position," the captain told reporters after play.
And it was a chance for the 33-year old, who hasn't played Test cricket since January 2014, to show off a more closed stance at the crease which he said was mastered during an Australian winter spent overseas.
"At the moment I'm getting out less, and that seems to work," Bailey said of the change.
"One of the real advantages of playing overseas for the winter is you've got to do a lot of your own coaching.
"You've got a bit of time to work on your game and you don't have coaches analysing it."
In Hobart on Saturday Bailey raced to his century from 144 balls.
His unbeaten total included 17 boundaries, a six and a 141-run partnership with opener Ben Dunk (142).
No.3 Alex Doolan (90) also made a good contribution for the Tigers.
"That's a really pleasing thing to see three senior players score big runs," Bailey said.
Queensland's reply included an admirable knock by Shield debutant Sam Heazlett (69 not out).
The 20-year old admitted after play that he was pretty nervous facing up to a Tassie attack which included Jackson Bird (0-27), James Faulkner (0-25), Ben Hilfenhaus (0-14) and Andrew Fekete (2-26).
"It's good to be out there facing that calibre of bowling and challenging yourself," the left-hander said.
"(I've) still got a big job to do but (am) pretty happy with that start."
Heazlett will resume on Sunday along with Marnus Labuschagne (two not out).
Share
