george john bailey – Artifex.News

Australia Star’s First Reaction Revealed After Exclusion From Remaining India Tests

admin — Sat, 21 Dec 2024 04:44:08 +0000

Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey revealed on Friday that he had “deliberated a lot” before deciding to drop opener Nathan McSweeney for the final two Tests of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, a decision based on how the series had unfolded. Teenage sensation Sam Konstas received his maiden call-up following a string of disappointing performances from the Australian top order in the first three Tests, particularly from McSweeney.

Having made his Test debut in the series-opener in Perth, the 25-year-old McSweeney capped scores of 10, 0, 39, 10 not out, 9 and 4 in his six innings and was dismissed by Indian pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah four times.

“(It was a) really hard decision for Nathan and one that we spent a lot of time deliberating over. Particularly after a small sample size of three Tests…That’s never a great phone call, is it?” Bailey was quoted saying in ESPNCricinfo.

Bailey conceded that McSweeney was dejected after getting the news but said the top-order batter has the ability to bounce back and be in Test reckoning in future.

“Nathan was disappointed and really the message to him was much the same as at the start of the series, that we believe he has the ability and temperament to succeed at Test level.

“But just given the way the series has played out, we just want the option of throwing something different at India for this next Test (in Melbourne),” added Bailey.

The five-Test series is keenly poised with both teams level at 1-1 after the drawn third Test at the Gabba.

“It has clearly been a challenge at the top of the order for batters throughout the series and we want to provide the option of a different line up for the next two matches,” he added.

Former pacer and ex-selector Merv Hughes had cautioned selectors against making any changes to the batting lineup for the Boxing Day Test.

“Now it would almost be a panic call to me… Just stay calm. They (India) drew the last Test. The last two Tests have been a draw and a win, so what is there to panic about,” Hughes had told ‘The Courier Mail’.

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Chief Selector, Head Coach Take Field As 9-Man Australia Win T20 WC Warm-Up Game

admin — Wed, 29 May 2024 06:44:23 +0000

Josh Hazlewood (L) and Andrew McDonald

Chief selector George Bailey and head coach Andrew McDonald were forced to take the field as substitute fielders during Australia’s T20 World Cup 2024 warm-up match against Namibia on Tuesday. Australia currently have just 9 out of their 15 members at the World Cup with Travis Head, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Glenn Maxwell, Cameron Green and Marcus Stoinis taking a break following the IPL. As a result, head coach Andrew McDonald, assistants Brad Hodge and Andre Borovec along with chief selector George Bailey also served as substitute fielders during the match.

The 2021 champions looked in good touch as they chased down Namibia’s total of 119/9 in dominant fashion with 10 overs remaining with a quickfire half-century from David Warner (54*).

Warner (54*) smashed six fours and a trio of massive sixes at the Port of Spain venue, facing just 21 deliveries in an excellent sign for the Aussies after the left-hander struggled for consistency during the recent IPL.

Seamer Josh Hazlewood (2/5) set the tone with a superb opening spell that netted three maidens, while first-choice spinner Adam Zampa (3/25) bowled well yet again as Namibia only snuck past 100 courtesy of some decent late hitting from Zane Green (38 in 30 balls, with five fours).

Australia openers Mitchell Marsh and Warner had 39 on the board inside three overs in reply and the loss of Marsh for 18 and stand-in number three Josh Inglis (5) allowed Tim David (23 in 16 balls, with three fours and a six) to arrive at the crease as the Aussies kept the runs flowing by scoring boundaries at ease.

David fell in the ninth over to Bernard Scholtz (2/16), but Matthew Wade (12*) and Warner kept the momentum going as Australia claimed the victory with ease.

Earlier in the day, the warm-up fixture between the USA and Bangladesh in Dallas was cancelled due to rain and the Netherlands registered an impressive 20-run triumph over Sri Lanka in Florida.

Australia is placed in Group B along with arch-rivals England, Namibia, Scotland and Oman. They will be starting their tournament against Oman on June 5 in Barbados.

(With ANI inputs)

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Our Top-Three Have Been Really Strong: George Bailey Defends Jake Fraser-McGurk’s Omission

admin — Thu, 02 May 2024 15:30:32 +0000

Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey has defended the omission of explosive batter Jake Fraser-McGurk from their T20 World Cup squad, saying he is an exciting option going forward but their top-three, including David Warner, have been doing well. Bailey admitted that Fraser-McGurk’s recent IPL performances have been “eye-catching”. Australia picked the experienced trio of Warner, Travis Head and skipper Mitchell Marsh, leaving no space for Fraser-McGurk, who has turned heads with his scintillating batting while playing for Delhi Capitals.

“The way we’re functioning at the top of the order with the three guys we’ve had, they’ve been really strong,” Bailey was quoted as saying by Sydney Morning Herald.

Interestingly, both skipper Marsh and Warner are nursing injuries. Marsh has already returned to Australia from IPL after suffering a hamstring niggle while Warner is also down with “some deep-seated bone bruising”.

The 22-year-old Fraser-McGurk has already scored 259 runs in six matches, including a scintillating 84 from just 27 balls, sending the ball soaring over the ropes six times in that knock.

“….the performance he’s putting up are certainly eye catching. He’s really eager to learn and keep growing his game.

“He’s certainly not someone who thinks he’s got it all made and is the complete package. So I think that’s really exciting going forward.” Bailey was not sure when Warner will be back in action.

“It’s some deep-seated bone bruising. It’s going to take a little bit of time, but I don’t think anyone’s been able to give him a really definitive answer on how long that’ll be,” said Bailey.

Bailey suggested the reserve players were likely to be Matt Short, Spencer Johnson and Tanveer Sangha.

Meanwhile, Marsh told Sen Radio, “We have got all bases covered within our team. Heady (Travis Head) and David Warner have been fantastic for us, not only for a long period of time but over the last 18 months, building towards this World Cup.

“We are comfortable that we have got the right 15, to hopefully, take us deep into the World Cup.”

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