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Australia’s current T20 and stand-in One Day International skipper, George Bailey, is perhaps the best credentialed man to fill a void in Australia’s middle order in the coming Ashes series.
I fear that Bailey will go the way of David Hussey. A more than solid middle order batsman who is consistent, yet is earmarked as a short-form specialist by the selectors.
He has experience and a cool head which is missing in almost any batsman below Michael Clarke in the order. Steve Smith can play an anchor role when needed, but is very fidgety at the crease.
Bailey’s record would’ve seen him nowhere near the Test team six years ago, but now he’s looking a more than solid prospect. He has played 96 first class matches, scored 5,936 runs with 14 centuries and 30 half centuries at an average of 38.29.
His ODI record, on the other hand, is more than solid. He has played 24 matches, scoring 878 runs with one century and six half centuries at an average of 43.90.
Last night, Bailey complied 85 of 82 balls in an ODI against India – a big part of Australia’s total.
His time in the international scene has seen him captain both the ODI and T20 sides.
His style of captaincy is similar to that of Michael Clarke, in that he is aggressive with his bowling changes and field placings. He reads the game very well.
With Australia lacking experience and a cool head in the middle order, is it time to give Bailey a shot?
His consistent innings mean that he can build on a good start by the top order, work with any of the top order who are building a big innings, or bat with the tail. His experience in ODIs and T20s means he can also accelerate when needed.
I’d be leaving Nic Maddinson and Jordan Silk in first class cricket for at least another season before they see international duty.
In the meantime, Bailey could well be the middle order glue that Australia needs.
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