George Bailey dropped from Australia's Test side touring South Africa

George Bailey has been dropped for next month’s three-Test tour of South Africa due to a poor Ashes series in which he averaged just 26.14 with the bat despite Australia’s overall dominance.

The 31-year-old is a proven performer in 50-over cricket, but he has not been able to find his form in the longer form of the game.

There was an expectation that he would be dropped before the Sydney Test and replaced with either Alex Doolan or James Faulkner, but selectors opted to stick with the same XI, News.com.au reports.

The squad for South Africa will be announced today and is expected to include 15 players.

Shaun Marsh will be added to the touring party to make up for the loss of Bailey.