Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
ENGLAND REVENGE MISSION
Former Australia skipper Bailey backs new boys to even the score after their 2018 England drubbing
GEORGE BAILEY warns that Australia are out to avenge the humiliating 5-0 whitewash at the hands of Eoin Morgan’s England the last time they toured.
And he believes the latest generation of homegrown Down Under white-ball talent could be the key to doing just that.
Former skipper turned selector Bailey was not part of the side beaten out of sight in the one-day tour two years ago.
Yet if the bruises for some who return are still a bit raw, Bailey believes untainted talent like Riley Meredith, 24, wicketkeeperbatsman Josh Philippe, 23, and left-arm death bowler Daniel Sams, 27, could prove vital.
Coach Justin Langer and captain Aaron Finch are particularly excited about the talents of express paceman Meredith and the classy Philippe.
Throw in Sams, an opening bowler who also gives the ball a whack and has forged an excellent reputation in Big Bash cricket, and Bailey insists the tools are in the box to do a job on England.
He said: “Riley is a young fast bowler, a good athlete with pretty good air speed and we are really excited about him.
“He has had a couple of good years for Tasmania, not just in Big Bash but across all three formats.
“Josh has undeniable talent with the bat and behind the stumps as back-up behind Alex Carey. His Big Bash was fantastic, particularly for a young player who is starting to play matchwinning innings.
“And Daniel is an exciting bowling all-rounder, the leading wicket-taker in the Bash last year and another fantastic athlete and good striker of the ball.”
Australia come into their threematch T20 series against England ranked the top side in the world.
Bailey added: “There is always a fierce rivalry between these two teams and the last time the oneday team was over here they got a proper ‘touch up’ from England.
“You never like to be beaten by England or as badly as we were.”