Bailey handed Tasmania captaincy

	George Bailey is Tasmania's new captain © Getty Images Enlarge
Related Links News : Marsh stands down as Tasmania's captain Players/Officials: George Bailey | Daniel Marsh | Tim Paine Teams: Australia | Tasmania

George Bailey has been confirmed as the new captain of Tasmania after Daniel Marsh stepped down from the position at the end of the 2008-09 summer. The Tigers did not immediately announce a replacement but the expectation was that as his vice-captain Bailey would step into the role.

The Tasmanian Cricket Association confirmed the appointment on Friday and the wicketkeeper-batsman Tim Paine was named as the new vice-captain. Bailey, 26, has been next in command after Marsh since the 2006-07 season, when he took the reins for two important Sheffield Shield wins when Marsh tore his calf.

Tasmania's coach Tim Coyle said Bailey had been earmarked for the captaincy for some time and he had proven his leadership abilities in the past couple of years. "George has an excellent cricket mind and also an ability to engage people and earn their respect," Coyle said.

"I am confident that with his knowledge and unique style he will inject new life into the Tasmanian Tigers. He has also had the opportunity to work closely with and learn from Dan Marsh, who I regard as one of the best captains I've been involved with.

"It is pleasing to see Tim Paine step into the role of vice-captain and this new leadership team represents a great example of two outstanding products of our cricket pathway system. It gives them a wonderful opportunity to shape Tasmanian cricket in the years to come."

Tasmania finished fourth in the Sheffield Shield and the FR Cup in 2008-09 and fifth in the KFC Twenty20. Marsh, 35, is expected to play on next summer.