Bailey passed fit to play

George Bailey has declared himself fit to lead Australia into tomorrow’s one-day international and also conceded that the absence of a number of senior Australian players means it represents the tourists’ best chance of breaking their winless tour.

Bailey was in doubt for the fourth game of the Carlton Mid ODI Series at the WACA due to a hip flexor injury he suffered while batting in Brisbane in game two.

Even though he took minimal part in his team’s training session in Perth this morning, he declared the injury would not restrict him and that he was “good to go”, which alleviated concerns as to who would lead the team in his absence.

Mitchell Johnson had been named as vice-captain, but if Bailey had failed to prove his fitness then it is believed wicketkeeper and Test vice-captain Brad Haddin would be recalled from the few days rest he had been granted.

As it stands, Haddin has not been recalled and should Bailey re-injure himself during the pre-match warm-ups the leadership duties would likely fall to other members of the squad with captaincy experience – possibly Aaron Finch or Steve Smith.

When asked if the absence of experienced stars the calibre of Michael Clarke, Haddin, Shane Watson and David Warner meant England faced its best chance of beating Australia for the first time this tour, Bailey was forced to admit it probably did.

But he was quick to add it would be foolish to underestimate the talent of the side that some critics have taken to labelling an Australia A team

“We’ve obviously got a challenge ahead of this game in terms of having our senior players rested, and that’s something we spoke about last night,” Bailey said.

“But it’s a great opportunity for some guys to step up, not only in their actual performance with bat and ball but also with a bit of energy and attitude around the place.

“It’s a chance for other guys to lead, and that’s really exciting for our group.”

England will train at the WACA Ground this afternoon.

Australia’s team is: George Bailey, Mitchell Johnson, Aaron Finch, Shaun, Marsh, Glenn Maxwell, Matthew Wade, Steve Smith, Nathan Coulter-Nile, James Pattinson, James Faulkner, Dan Christian.