Australian one-day vice-captain George Bailey has warned his teammates to focus on the present rather than worrying about next year’s World Cup.

Australia heads to Zimbabwe this week for a one-day triangular series against the hosts and South Africa.

It’s the start of Australia’s preparations for the 2015 World Cup starting in February.

Bailey, chasing a spot in what would be his first World Cup, says players can’t afford to worry too much about that tournament with several matches to go before Australia’s squad is named.

“It’s in the back of the mind,” Bailey said.

“I think we’ve got 20 one-day internationals before we even get there. If you have it anywhere but the back of your mind you’re going to be caught short.

“We’re starting to get somewhere we’d like to be with our one-day cricket.

“It’s a matter of just continuing to build on that. Guys continuing to nail down roles and with that comes the growth of the team.”

Bailey is one of several players who have come into Australia’s setup since the 2011 World Cup, with captain Michael Clarke, Brad Haddin, Mitchell Johnson and Steven Smith the only players heading to Africa who played in the last tournament.

The 31-year-old said the lure of taking part in a World Cup at home was definitely enticing.

“That’s huge. No doubt it’s going to add another dimension of excitement, of pressure, of anticipation and hopefully something really special at the end of it,” he said.