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[lewis_faulds]

George Bailey rose to stardom in 2011 when announced as the permanent t20 captain of Australia. He then made his debut against India as captain.
Bailey is now no longer a t20 specialist, he now has his name plastered across the One day team and has captained them a fair amount as Michael Clarke's back proves the Bain of his existence.
Recently in India and England before that, George batted exceptionally well but always fell as he pushed for that ton.
He batted with such conviction and precision, similar to that of a bloke called Hussey, that must not have gone unnoticed by the selectors and ofcourse Michael Clarke himself. The thing is that Bailey was smart with his batting, he effectively made the English and Indians skipper change his field after Bailey smashed a few fours down that way, then the shot would change, down the ground, behind square. An ideal number 4 batsmen, To many a welcome edition the the Australian batting line up.
Doubts have already arisen about Clarke's back, therefore who would the Aussies bolster the middle order should their talisman not be there to lead from the front?  Also how would become skip?? Brad Haddin is a smart cricketer but Bailey is from evidence a very clever cricketer and captain..
The only question is can Bailey cope in the Test Arena, he will be needed to hit runs if he bats at four and hit those centuries. He appears to be the mister reliable at the moment but form can be temporary as Jonathon Trott found out during the Ashes.
Would he cope? I believe that bailey would be a class number 4 batsman and fill the void of the middle order that would allow Clarke to drop to 5.

What does everyone else think? I've watched bailey for a while, seen him play shield cricket (was a very long night up)
If you were the Australian selectors, who would you have as your test XI for the Ashes?

Sorry I went off a bit haha! But wanted a discussion about the test teams!!

[iand123]

What's his shield record like?

[lewis_faulds]

I believe he averages around 39, not 100% sure!
But averages 53 in Odis. Think it may be more now!!

[Sam]

I was hoping Hampshire would sign him up again but this time as overseas captain for all of next season but they seem to be looking for a bowler  .

[cricketbadger]

what was his record like at Hampshire?

Don't seem to remember him setting the world alight, thats without looking at the stats though, but mainly because I put him in my fantasy cricket side and transferred him out after a few weeks

[lewis_faulds]

For a while, after hussey retired, he's been my favourite player! Love his batting, I heard he was planning a county stint but if he's that close to the test team he may want to focus on that!

I was hoping Hampshire would sign him up again but this time as overseas captain for all of next season but they seem to be looking for a bowler  .

It's always bowlers, I'm sure George could bowl a few!

[Sam]

Averaged 38 in FC cricket at Hampshire , similar to his shield record I see , but that was only over 7 innings due to the Champions trohpy.

It has actually nearly always been batsmen for Hampshire over many of the last few seasons , think they finally realised the aim of the game is to bowl people out though  .

[lewis_faulds]

Averaged 38 in FC cricket at Hampshire , similar to his shield record I see , but that was only over 7 innings due to the Champions trohpy.

It has actually nearly always been batsmen for Hampshire over many of the last few seasons , think they finally realised the aim of the game is to bowl people out though  .

You just beat me to that haha! he did hit a nice 84, remember watching highlights of that at the tail end of may!

[Manormanic]

Bailey looks better in the one day stuff than he does in first class cricket from my experience.  Having said that - and referencing back to a debate I had with Nickauger a couple of days ago about the introduction of Trescothick and Vaughan to the England side in 99/00 - I do wonder whether it might benefit the Australian selectors to back perceived character over stats given their current plight.  Is he better than Clarke?  No.  Is he at least as good as Watson, Warner, Rogers, Hughes, Khawaja, Smith etc? Hell yes.  At the very least he is a well organised cricketer, solid and smart and - given Clarke's back - a better bet as skipper in a crisis than anyone else available. 

[lewis_faulds]

Bailey looks better in the one day stuff than he does in first class cricket from my experience.  Having said that - and referencing back to a debate I had with Nickauger a couple of days ago about the introduction of Trescothick and Vaughan to the England side in 99/00 - I do wonder whether it might benefit the Australian selectors to back perceived character over stats given their current plight.  Is he better than Clarke?  No.  Is he at least as good as Watson, Warner, Rogers, Hughes, Khawaja, Smith etc? Hell yes.  At the very least he is a well organised cricketer, solid and smart and - given Clarke's back - a better bet as skipper in a crisis than anyone else available. 

So true. He'd easily be ahead Hughes, khawaja and smith who have a very Hail Mary approach to batting in test. That being said so does the opener, Mr Warner!
I've met George once or twice and he once gave me throw downs, when he was at Scotland, bowled me though . Was a top guy, very humble, this was in 2009. The ashes were on and all he did was talk about the desire to represent Australia! So  would love it if he got a chance to shine at the gabba!!

[Manormanic]

If I were selecting the side he probably would.  Warner and Rodger to open and Clarke at four are nailed on and I suppose it would be cheeky to drop Watto after backing him through years of naffness just as he finally makes a score.  That leaves two places between Smith and Hughes (incumbents) and Bailey, Maddinson, Finch, Khawaja, Burns, Doolan and Quiney (the aspirants).  I'd go for Bailey at five and Smith (if he has to play) or Maddinson (who I really rate) at six...

[lewis_faulds]

If I were selecting the side he probably would.  Warner and Rodger to open and Clarke at four are nailed on and I suppose it would be cheeky to drop Watto after backing him through years of naffness just as he finally makes a score.  That leaves two places between Smith and Hughes (incumbents) and Bailey, Maddinson, Finch, Khawaja, Burns, Doolan and Quiney (the aspirants).  I'd go for Bailey at five and Smith (if he has to play) or Maddinson (who I really rate) at six...

I like the idea of Maddinson, but if they want a man in form. Cammy White seems to be the man! Although I would hate to see him wear his baggy green again!

My side would be Rodgers, Warner, Watson, Bailey, Clarke, Smith, Haddin. I imagine Maddinson will make the initial 23 man squad but whether he makes the 12 for the Gabba will remain to be seen!
Only problem they face now is bowlers!!

[ppccopener]

Good post nice to see this type of discussion on here rather than relentless bumps of stuff for sale
Here's something to throw into the mix....all the rumours about micheal clarke's attitude,selfishness,fall outs,big time charlie personality are true...lets just say it is although we dont know.
So clarke is our KP if you like
Bailey comes in to unite the side and create a team spirit without being the best cricketer
Its clear he is a humble down to earth bloke
Would that be the way forward for australia?
Clarke bats 3 as the sides best player...

[WalkingWicket37]

Personally I'd love to see Bailey in the test side.
Sadly I can't see him getting a game, as the selectors seem to like playing the questionable selections of Hughes, Kawaja and Smiffffy.

Whoever gets picked someone will moan, so it's safe to say I don't envy the selectors in the slightest.

[lewis_faulds]

Personally I'd love to see Bailey in the test side.
Sadly I can't see him getting a game, as the selectors seem to like playing the questionable selections of Hughes, Kawaja and Smiffffy.

Whoever gets picked someone will moan, so it's safe to say I don't envy the selectors in the slightest.

So true, can't believe cricketers that have basic techniques beat that of a veteran that has a spun technique and understanding! I'd love if he was in and certain mad axe men, that wave their bats around, that find themselves in the Aussie line up