Australia will be without George Bailey for Friday’s Tri-Series match against England after the stand-in captain was banned for maintaining a slow over-rate during Sunday’s match against India in Melbourne.
Bailey is leading the side in the absence of Michael Clarke, who is recovering from a knee operation. And his absence, for clocking up a second over-rate offence in 12 months, means Steve Smith is now likely to lead the side against England in Hobart.
Smith was in sensational form when he stood in for Clarke during the recent Test series against India, scoring four centuries. Now, with Bailey missing, he has a chance to replicate that in the one-day game.
Australia, meanwhile, have confirmed Clarke is ahead of schedule in his recovery and is expected to return in time for Australia’s second game of the World Cup against Bangladesh on 21 February. That is the cut-off date the 33-year-old has been given to prove his fitness after he was ruled out of Australia’s tournament opener against England a week earlier.
Alex Kountouris, the Australian team’s physiotherapist, said: “Michael is progressing well and is currently running on a regular basis and has commenced batting. He was reviewed by the surgeon in Melbourne on Sunday who was very pleased with his progress. He remains on track for a return to play by 21 February, the date we spoke of when the squad for the ICC Cricket World Cup was announced.”
