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Bailey's double debut

Bailey's double debut

01/31/2012 07:43:24 PM

Australia T20 skipper George Bailey isn't sure what he's more nervous about heading into Wednesday night's historic clash with India: the captaincy or his international debut.

The Tasmanian will claim a slice of Australian cricket history when he becomes the first player since inaugural Test captain Dave Gregory in 1877 to lead a national side in his first game for his country.

"Good question. I'm nervous about both," Bailey smiled when asked which of the two - captaincy or debuting - was the most daunting.

"Obviously the playing aspect you're always anxious to get out there and perform very well."

"And the captaining side of things I'm quite comfortable with that."

"It's more getting to know the players as well and as quickly as I can."

"The last couple of days have been really good. We've had some great training sessions, some really hard training sessions, so for me I think once I get my head around knowing the players as well as I can that'll all fall into place nicely."

Pressed on the fact that he's making his debut as captain, he added: "Honestly, I really haven't thought that much about it. I think when you play, you're just out there playing."

"I am debuting but ever since I captained Tasmania ... most games when I've gone out there whether I'm captain or not thinking like a captain."

"I'm always wondering about what I'm going to do with the fields or bowlers or what not."

"So I think once you've been captaining for a certain period of time that's how you think about the game."

Bailey's selection provoked plenty of controversy given his average form for the Melbourne Stars in the Big Bash League.

But India counterpart MS Dohni, who plays in the IPL with Bailey at the Chennai Super Kings, rates his occasional team-mate highly.

"He's an interesting character, he plays good cricket, he's someone who can play his strokes, he's very intelligent and understands the game well," Dhoni said.
"He's a really good character to have."

 
Photograph Copyright : Getty Images

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