The Aussies answered all questions during the five-nil whitewash of England in the Ashes except one – does George John Bailey have the skill set to succeed at Test level?
When a severely-depleted Australian side landed on the Indian shores for a seven-match one-day international series late in 2013, not many tipped the tourists to fight as hard as they did.
Up stepped a 31-year-old in George Bailey to lead his side by fine example.
And it was that very one day series against the Indians that ultimately handed Bailey his first baggy green.
Having experienced the thrill of winning an Ashes series, Bailey has now gone full circle and it is the very format that won Bailey a chance to prove his worth in the Test arena that will determine if the dream continues for a man who wouldn’t look out of place working behind a desk in an accountancy firm.
Seemingly the race for the number six spot is between Bailey and his Tasmanian teammate, Alex Doolan.
With national selectors tipped to finalise their touring party possibly as early as next week, Sunday’s opening ODI against England in Melbourne could be the final opportunity for Bailey to press his claims to tour South Africa.
As captain of the national T20 team, and unlikely to be replaced with a T20 World Cup starting in March, Bailey will be required for the three-game series against England, which finishes on February 2, only three days before the start of a four-day Test warm-up game against a South African Invitation XI in Potchefstroom.
Hardly an ideal preparation for a player only days out from starting one of the toughest Test series on the calendar, South Africa in South Africa.
The selection of Bailey for the Ashes 2013-14 was certainly a welcome move by the Australian selectors. He remained a critical member in the Australian win in the Ashes and, despite his moderate 183 runs at 26, he must be given more time to prove himself at the Test level.
His experience of leading the Tasmanian side on the domestic circuit can help Michael Clarke in the field, and his ability to score quickly in the lower middle-order cannot be ignored.
The argument against Bailey being on the plane to South Africa?
When Australia were under pressure, he only made one significant contribution – a half century in Adelaide. But in fairness, you can count on one hand the amount of times Australia were on the back foot throughout the series.
There is no doubting South Africa will provide a sterner test for the Aussies and we will need all batsmen at the top of their game if the Aussies are any chance of walking away with success.
But one series is not enough for any player to be judged good or bad at Test level and now the Australian selectors have done away with the policy of making too many frequent changes, it becomes necessary for them to give a longer rope to Bailey.
Moreover, the Australians won’t like to change the winning combination, which they have achieved after months of trials and failures.
dan ced
Guest
I agree that he right now is probably more likely to make the T20 or ODI team on form, than the test team. I'm clearly a fan, and biased accordingly. I also get frustrated with players getting out constantly playing rash shots in tests, especially players in the team for their experience. I think Klinger would be more dependable. Hughes shouldn't be rushed back in quite yet. He always seems to disappoint as soon as he is plucked out of shield. Maddinson has seemed pretty immature in BBL this season, Silk I agree has long form potential though.
Bearfax
Guest
Klinger's form is a bit deceptive. No doubt on his day he is a star, but it happens too infrequently. His Shield scores this year are 3, 51, 125, 21, 0, 12, 73 n.o., 0, 2, for an average this year of 35.9. Hardly impressive though he had three good scores. Last year he averaged only 19.4 in Shield. The year before it was 46.38. Seems he is one of those hot and cold batsmen. Better than Bailey? Yes. But the three higher order young batsmen Maddinson, Silk and Hughes, are all outscoring him, and they'll get better.
dan ced
Guest
I want Cosgrove to bowl medium pacers for AUS in tests... he looks hilarious! ..but is almost as effective as Watson from what I've seen. why would there be an issue selecting him apart from the fact he'd have to take a BRO slot in the slips.
dan ced
Guest
Klinger is in form, hasnt quite grabbed a century this season in shield though. Patient and reliable innings in the shorter form that would translate well to the test arena, as opposed to Bailey's slogfests.
dan ced
Guest
My tune on this debate will always go "If you want experience, and someone that isn't going to waste their wicket with irresponsible ODI shots.. choose Klinger instead of Bailey."
Praveen
Guest
Thanks vish, interesting post mate, I don't think George can do well in red ball Cricket as well but let's hive him one more game to show his skills, I wish him well
Bearfax
Guest
They also played on home turf Nathan and against an English side that was shell shocked by Johnson from the start. Their bowlers have not been anywhere near as good here as in England, where the grounds suited Anderson and Swann. If you had one of the young guns playing instead of Bailey, I suspect Australia would have been even more dominant. Certainly wont be like that in SA and we'll need our best batsmen. Bailey unfortunately in the longer form game is not one of them.
Vish
Guest
Am sorry for the short forms But Bailey shudnt be on the plane to SA i feel Silk or even Ed Cowan who is tight in defence could be tried at 3 Strokemakers survive in SA only when the foundation has been set by the gritty batsmen at top
Nathan
Guest
I think Bailey has been a great influence to the team. Along with Haddin and Rogers, they have brought a lot of experience and it shows with the team doing well in the ashes in both England and here in Australia. Ever since Maxwell, Wade and Pattinson weren't in the team, the group has looked tighter and stronger. Throw in the coach, Lehmann, and Australia is looking at a promising future. Bring on the South Africans!
Bearfax
Guest
Yes there may be a few Australian batsmen who will have to show more restraint, such as Watson and Warner, if they hope to challenge the proteas. I think Smith and Rogers were more circumspect and played what looked like disciplined test innings
felix
Guest
Sleepy grammar,it was almost midnight in SA hahahaha ;-),come on put the words together!.
Slane
Guest
Did a single player play like a test cricketer at all in the last Ashes series? Every one of them came out guns blazing. It's why our top 6 all had one or two good innings and then got out stupidly the rest of the time.
Bearfax
Guest
Trouble is Ray, that that is where Bailey belongs, in the one dayers. He's an excellent ODI and T 20 batsman. But he doesnt have what it takes to be a test batsman. His FC average testifies to that.
Bearfax
Guest
I just wish Cosgrove would get his act together. You're right. he has what it takes to play tests but just cant seem to show us his talent when needed. If anything his form has gone down hill in last 2-3 years. he needs Boof to have a long talk with him.
Bearfax
Guest
Bailey is a marvellous one day batsman because his style is somewhat similar to baseball. The style suits the ODI and T20 matches and he'll continue to succeed in that arena. But test cricket is not like one day cricket. It requires patience, a good defence, a preparedness not to be drawn into risky shots, a discipline that I dont think Bailey has. I suspect he will be crucified if he's sent to South Africa against the likes of Steyn and Philander. If he couldnt handle the pedestrian English bowling in Australia which every other batsman thrived on, what chance in South Africa against those thunderbolts
Pom in Oz
Roar Guru
The Bailey dilemma is getting a little laboured now. More than enough has been written about his positive attributes and evident shortcomings. Also, much has been said about the potential candidates to replace him, or other ideas to strengthen the perceived weakness at the No.6 position. The fact is he was put there on the back of good ODI performances in India, together with his maturity, calming influence and leadership, which was seen as lacking in the test team after the 3 - 0 loss in England. Until such time that an alternative batsman can demonstrate their obvious superiority and deserved claim for a baggy green cap, there is little point in discussing it further.
Aussie Opener
Guest
Also agree.
Silver_Sovereign
Guest
Neither Bailey or Doolan are up to it in my opinion. Their Tasmanian teammate Cosgrove is made for test cricket but has not had the greatest start to the shield season.
Sideline Comm.
Guest
Agreed. Gave up half way through.
Ray
Guest
I really wanted George to be successful, but he didn't look quite up to it, but believe maybe that is just a confidence thing. He would need to excel at the next one dayers to go to SA. I would like to see Faulkner get the chance at 6, as I think he would average more than 26 with the bat and be a genuine support for the other quicks. He is a very aggressive cricketer and would fit with the current team. Then Watson lives or dies as a No.3 batter.