Bailey not upset by rollercoaster selection

2015 World Cup

Australia batsman George Bailey is in the bizarre position of either captaining Australia's ODI side, or not being in it at all, with a middle ground rarely found, though he doesn't seen upset by that.

Bailey is in the World Cup squad and will lead the team in the early matches if Michael Clarke remains unfit. Clarke has until 21 February to prove his readiness, and if he is good to go them Bailey could go from skipper to drinks carrier.

When asked if it bothered him to be in and out of the side, Bailey said on Thursday: "Not really but with a squad of 15 that's absolutely the case.

"We've got more captains in that side at the moment than you can poke a stick at (Test deputy Steve Smith is also there), 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."

With Clarke's constant injury concerns, Bailey has been asked to take up the armband with regularity in the 50-over format, and while he says a side without 'Pup' is a weaker one, he's used to coming and going.

The Tasmanian continued: "Unfortunately it's happened quite a bit over the last 12 months.

"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."

2015-world-cup Australia latest-news

Latest