Cricket World Cup: George Bailey fighting to keep his place but he’s faced tougher challenges

GEORGE Bailey’s hiding-to-nothing assignment for the World Cup opener against England isn’t even the toughest challenge of his captaincy career, says Mickey Arthur.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 11: Michael Clarke and George Bailey of Australia talk while in the field during the Cricket World Cup warm up match between Australia and the United Arab Emirates at Melbourne Cricket Ground on February 11, 2015 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)

GEORGE Bailey’s hiding-to-nothing assignment for the World Cup opener against England isn’t even the toughest challenge of his captaincy career, according to a man who should know, former coach Mickey Arthur.

Forty-eight hours out from tomorrow’s MCG blockbuster, Bailey finally had it confirmed he will lead Australia into battle with Michael Clarke ruled out.

Yet only a mind-blowing performance or another injury in the squad will see him stay in the side at all for the following week and beyond, when a fit and firing Clarke inevitably returns as skipper and middle-order star.

For a batsman in easily the worst form of his ODI career (averaging 5.6 in the tri-series), Saturday shapes as a largely thankless task for Bailey – who will shoulder the expectation of a nation with little prospect of personal reward.

But the encouraging silver lining for he and Australia is that he’s experienced worse.

Champions Trophy in England, 2013: Clarke ruled out on tournament eve, David Warner punches Joe Root in Birmingham bar, and coach Arthur fights an ultimately losing battle to keep his job.

It was a harrowing baptism of fire for Bailey, who in his first real stint as Australia’s makeshift captain, spent day after day as the front man for a team under siege from the outside and within.

“No, it doesn’t get any tougher than that,” recalls Arthur.

“George handled that situation with aplomb.”

Coach Darren Lehmann has ensured Australia is now sailing much smoother seas, but this time it’s Bailey who could go overboard at any moment.

Instead of endorsing the in-form Steve Smith as Clarke’s deputy for the World Cup, selectors went to Bailey, and Arthur says the last captain he ever worked with will once again wear a bullet for his country if that’s what’s required.

“George is a team man first and foremost and George is a really good bloke, his work ethic is outstanding. He’s got great values, lives his life how you’d want,” says Arthur.

“If my daughter brought home George Bailey, I’d be the happiest guy in the world.

“George Bailey will handle any situation he’s put in exceptionally well.

“George Bailey is a quality human being. He’s a very good captain, he’s a very good cricketer.

“I’m confident he’ll come out successful on the other side.

“I can’t speak highly enough of George Bailey, I love seeing him do well because he’s everybody’s favourite cricketer.”

Lehmann said he’s delighted with Clarke’s comeback from hamstring surgery, however a decision was made in consultation with medical staff, the other selectors and the skipper himself to not rush back against England.

Lehmann said there are some minor fielding fitness tests for Clarke to pass before he officially receives the green light to face Bangladesh on February 21 in Brisbane.

But he has little doubt the 33-year-old – who pulled up well from his 64 against the UAE on Wednesday - will make his deadline and lead Australia through the rest of the World Cup.

“We’re going to stick with the plan and he’ll play against Bangladesh.

“We’re really happy with the way it’s gone. The way he batted, ran, fielded, bowled, he ticked all the boxes.

“He’s very keen to play, but we’ve got to make sure when he gets back, he’s ready to go and he will be come Saturday week.

“It’s making sure he gets into the fielding side of it in the next week and just ticks that off and away we go.”

Lehmann confirmed he will want Clarke to bowl during the World Cup, increasing the possibility spinner Xavier Doherty may not play in the tournament.

“Yeah we do. Being a left-armer and taking the ball away is another advantage for him,” he said.

“Some of the wickets we’ll play on will spin. He’ll bowl at the right times as he normally does.

“He’s a very astute leader in that regard. When he comes back he’ll bowl depending on the situation of the game.”