ICC Champions Trophy 2013: Can Bailey do a "Brearley" ?

This time, things are a little different. With Clarke out of action, the reins of the team have been handed to George Bailey. He is one of those rare cricketers who were picked to lead an International side on debut. In the ODIs, with an average hovering around 45 and a strike-rate in the 80s, he is currently the best batsman of the side and with Shane Watson giving up on vice-captaincy, he seems a solid and a safe choice.

And that’s where the Aussies are suffering. This is the first time that the Australians have selected the captain first and then the team and when that starts to happen, the “out of stock” signage on the talent reservoir becomes even more prominent. Bailey has done his bit. He has hit back to back fifties, has made the correct moves and has selected the correct eleven. But is that enough to lead an Australian side?

Though he has been in fine touch, his knocks have hardly created an impact in the team’s success. His best essays with the bat have come in losing causes and the pace at which he bats hasn’t set the world on fire. He has never been prolific in the Sheffield Shield nor will any of the IPL teams ever go overboard with a bid for him. But to be fair to Bailey, he doesn’t have the team either. Mediocrity has been thrust upon him. The Baggy Green seems too heavy for most in the squad and fighting for its pride is a task that’s looks beyond their realm. They lack the grit, are too soft on the field and deliver their knock-out punches only in the pubs.

Right now, the Australian team needs a leader more than a captain and they need him like never before. They need someone who will go out of his way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. Someone who will push the team to its limit, grab them by the scruff of their neck, make them stare into the eyes of the opponent and bring back the swagger that smelt of arrogance from every inch.

According to Shane Warne, the Warner issue will re-unite the team. It would have, if they had someone like a Ponting or a Waugh in charge who would have spurred on the team to turn the controversy into magical performances. Sadly, this team doesn’t have someone who can achieve that. Bailey is good, not great, but he is the best that they have got and the Australian selectors have pinned their hopes on him to pull off a “Brearly”. Can he do it? It’s the best time to pull out the age old cliché - “Only time will tell!”