George Bailey debuted for Australia in 2012 against the West Indies. Since then, he has been a decent player in all three formats for Tasmania.
He even became the captain of Australian T20 team against India.
While the Bailey-led Aussies slipped in the T20 World Cup against the eventual champions West Indies in the semi-finals in 2012, the team failed to make it out of the group stage in 2014.
He had also led the ODI team in the absence skipper Michael Clarke. As an ODI player he was at his peak in 2013 when he rose to become the second-ranked ICC batsman in the world. His numbers have been solid, averaging 42 with a strike rate of 85.
His recent one day form had been good up until the series against the Kiwis, reiterating the fact that he is suspect in bowler-friendly conditions.
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He occupies the No.4 spot in the batting order which is extremely important to the side’s chances. It is up to himself and skipper Steve Smith to consolidate the innings and provide a solid base for the likes of Glenn Maxwell to build upon.
He will be 36 by the time of the next ODI world cup, so it is imperative for the selectors to consider a younger player to replace Bailey. This will give his replacement time to adapt and gain experience.
There are players like Cameron Bancroft, Peter Handscomb, Travis Head, Alex Ross, Jake Lehmann who can be considered. While many of them average less than 40 in List-A cricket, they have the talent to play at the next level.
Three years will be enough for any player to get accustomed to his role in the team. Most of them have put up some good performances Sheffield Shield or BBL to date.
My pick from among them is Bancroft from Western Australia. His performance for WA in the one day cup was exceptional while he also displayed his striking ability in the BBL – particularly in a game against Sydney Thunder.
What do you think Roarers? Has Bailey’s time come and if so who should replace him?
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While a premature retirement isn’t the solution, he or England want, he may be forced into it if he can’t maintain a long run of matches.
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