Sussex could reinforce their fragile batting line-up by drafting George Bailey into their Championship team.

Bailey signed to play one-day and Twenty20 cricket for Sussex but says he would jump at the chance to gain more red ball experience in England to boost his Test prospects.

The 32-year-old played in all five Tests as England were whitewashed Down Under 18 months ago but is not part of Australia’s squad for the Ashes series which starts in Cardiff tomorrow.

Sussex – who were dismissed for just 208 in their first innings at Taunton yesterday – would be able to play Bailey as an overseas player once fellow Australian Steve Magoffin receives a British passport in the next few weeks.

Bailey, who played five Championship games for Hampshire in 2013, said: “I would love to play in the Championship again and have a full season in England.

“I have to be playing more four-day cricket to push for a place in the Test side so that is my next challenge. If Steve’s passport comes through we’ll see what happens.”