|
Calcutta: George Bailey would be creating history when he takes the field for the first Twenty20 international against India on Wednesday. The Tasmanian skipper would become the first Australian after Dave Gregory in 135 years of international cricket to be chosen as a captain first and cricketer second, according to reports in The Daily Telegraph.
“I really haven’t thought that much about it,” Bailey said of his unique place in history. “When you’re out there you’re just playing.
“I’m always thinking about fields or bowlers or what not. Once you’ve been captaining for a certain period of time that’s just how you think about the game.”
The debutant, however, has vowed to continue the momentum of Australia’s Test domination.
“When you’re playing for your country, I don’t think you’ll take it easy... Every game is about having your foot on their throat,” he said at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Tuesday.
“Although it’s a different format, I think it’s important to continue the momentum of the Test team, not only in the cricket they play but also the standards they’re setting off the field, the way they’re training and the great feel around the group,” he added.
Bailey, also, doesn’t intend to offer any concessions to Mahendra Singh Dhoni, who was his captain in the IPL while playing for the Chennai Super Kings.
“I don’t think we’ll be making any concessions. I’m looking forward to saying good day to him but hopefully that’s at the end of the game and he’s saying ‘well done Bails, well played’. That’s as far as that goes,” Bailey said.
The Tasmanian said despite the fewer number of matches in the Twenty20 format, the two sides know each other pretty well.
“We had a little chat before about a lot of their players and nearly everyone in that room has played at some stage with those Indian players. We’ve seen a lot of them over the years and they’re probably feeling the exact same way. That’s been one of the great things about the IPL,” he said.
“There’s probably not as many secrets there as you would like between two international teams but what you have is healthy respect for how one another plays and a real knowledge for the contest you’re about to be in.”
Bailey wants to bring the influence of the seniors into the Twenty20 squad as well.
“We’ve spoken about the great energy that they’ve provided and the great start and feeling among that group. They feel like they’ve set a real standard and we’ve talked about that as a Twenty20 group as well, allowing the one-day side to have that feeling when they get together as well.”
Incidentally, Veteran pace spearhead Brett Lee obviously figures high in Bailey’s sense of estimation.
“I think his numbers of the most recent Big Bash were outstanding especially for someone who bowls in key periods at the top in that powerplay and then in death.
“He embraces that role as the frontline leading fast bowler in our team and his experience is outstanding. The thing I love about him is how competitive he is. He just loves the contest and loves to lead from the front.”
On the challenges that lie ahead for him, both as captain and batsman, he said, “In terms of preparing it’s the same sort of thing, you’re preparing to play personally,” before admitting: “I’m nervous about both [captaincy and debut].”
| 
