George Bailey says he isn’t bothered by the prospect of being dropped from Australia’s World Cup team if skipper Michael Clarke returns from injury.
Bailey has been appointed stand-in captain for the opening match of the one-day tournament against England on February 14 at the MCG.
He’ll retain that position for the rest of the Cup if Clarke doesn’t pass his fitness deadline on February 21 for their clash with Bangladesh at the Gabba.
But if Clarke is fit and firing, selectors are likely to name just two middle-order batsman – Clarke and an in-form Steve Smith – and leave the Tasmanian out altogether.
Asked on Thursday whether he had thought about that scenario, Bailey said he hadn’t and that it didn’t bother him.
“Not really, but with a squad of 15 that’s absolutely the case,” he told reporters ahead of Friday’s Tri-Series opener against England at the SCG.
“We’ve got more captains in that side at the moment than you can poke a stick at, which is a wonderful position to be in.
“I think every person who is playing, regardless of any other positions, will just be looking to perform to make the case for retaining them within the eleven pretty compelling.”
Bailey has led the one-day side in 24 games, with a win-loss-no result record of 12-10-2.
More often than not it’s been as a replacement, but the 32-year-old said the regularity of his stand-in status has made it easier to deal with.
“Unfortunately it’s happened quite a bit over the last 12 months,” he said.
“So it’s something we’re used to as a team, having to deal with not having a player like Michael in the side, and I think we’ve responded pretty well when that has been the case. I think our record speaks for itself.
“I am used to it I guess.”
Bailey said Clarke was “very confident” of making his deadline, having spent Wednesday and Thursday training alongside the team and continuing his rehab work.
He had a short spell in the nets at the SCG on Thursday morning.
“I think he’s really happy with how he’s progressed, so that’s all positive,” Bailey added.
