Cricket World Cup 2015: Darren Lehmann warns George Bailey he needs to make runs

GEORGE Bailey is not guaranteed a place in Australia’s top World Cup XI despite being the man who could raise the trophy.

Australian training

GEORGE Bailey is not guaranteed a place in Australia’s top World Cup XI despite being the man who could raise the trophy.

Australia coach Darren Lehmann said that despite Bailey’s status as World Cup vice-captain to Michael Clarke, his batting form would be the key variable in a selection mix becoming more intriguing by the day.

The likely prospect of Clarke proving his fitness puts additional pressure on Bailey who has failed to score above 25 in his last seven 50-over innings for his country.

“George needs to make runs like everyone else in the side,’’ Lehmann said.

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George Bailey (R) with coach Darren Lehmann at Australia training.

“There is no doubt about that. The selectors will sit down and work out what the best side is when they are fit and available.

“George like everyone else will have to play well to play the final 11. There is no difference between the top player and the 15th player.

“We are a squad and one thing I know about World Cups is that you need a squad to win it.’’

Lehmann said Bailey’s confidence may be down but there was no questioning his worth ethic.

Lehmann played in two Australian World Cup victories - 1999 in England and 2003 in South Africa - and his role in South Africa was particularly influential off the field.

Mindful of the fact that there was so much down time between games in South Africa he helped organise a celebration after every team victory throughout a tournament Australia won undefeated.

Those parties generated a robust team spirit which helped the team bulldoze their way through the tournament.

More than a decade later Lehmann is obliged to be a bit more earnest about life as the team coach but the moral of that 2003 triumph - the need to unwind and stay fresh in a long tournament - has stayed with him.

There’s no getting around the fact Bailey is short on runs. Picture: Daniel Wilkins.

“I think times have changed although we are trying to do something - we have some mad blokes in the social group so they will be fine.

“They will have stuff for us to do and making sure we are together for as much as we can. If we can nip home for a day or two we might do that but most of the time we will be together for the entire seven weeks.

“It is a really enjoyable tournament. It comes around every four years and you must enjoy it. Enjoyment is paramount.’’

Originally published as Cricket World Cup 2015: Darren Lehmann warns George Bailey he needs to make runs