Smith, Starc come to defence of George Bailey
Scott Bailey |
Steve Smith has launched a defence of the under-fire George Bailey, with Mitchell Starc joining him in rejecting suggestions Australia’s chief selector lacks gravitas.
Stuart Clark’s stinging criticism of Bailey dominated headlines during the SCG Test, with the former Test quick unhappy with the non-selection of a spinner in Sydney.
Speaking on ABC, Clark suggested Bailey was a yes-man who lacked the power to say no to coach Andrew McDonald, while also questioning the credentials of head of cricket James Allsopp.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Green responded by labelling the attack on the pair as “out of order”, banning the ABC from conducting post-play interviews on day three of the Test.
Bailey has come under repeated criticism from past players since he took over as chief selector in 2021, including Steve Waugh questioning if he had a desire to make tough calls ahead of this summer.
In that time Australia have won their maiden T20 World Cup, an ODI World Cup in India, a World Test Championship final, retained the Ashes in England and beat both them and India at home.
Smith claimed after day five in Sydney that he was not aware of Clark’s comments or the ABC boycott, but questioned why anyone would be critical of Bailey.
“He’s done a wonderful job for a long time,” Smith said.
“Since he’s been in charge, we’ve made a couple of Test Championship finals. We’ve played really good cricket.
“We’ve won this series 4-1. So what more is there to say?”
During Bailey’s tenure, Australia have left Nathan Lyon out of pink-ball Tests in Jamaica and Brisbane.
Travis Head was recalled in the middle order and now moved up to open, while Alex Carey was cut as wicketkeeper one game into Australia’s successful 2023 ODI World Cup.
Mitch Marsh was also dropped last summer, while Starc was left out for games during both of the past two T20 World Cups.
“The greatest thing with George is it’s never a sugar-coating conversation,” Starc said.
“He’ll tell you straight up whether it’s conditions-based, role-based or the like.
“That’s how I can speak on that relationship with George as a selector.
“As Steve said, I think every move that George and the selection panel have made this series, it’s a 4-1 result.
“And they have made some tough decisions, not just this series, but even going back a series before. So to sit here 4-1, I think they’ve done a fantastic job.”
AAP
