OUT FOR REVENGE

Bailey’s backing his Aussies

GEORGE BAILEY says 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 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, wicketkeeper batsman Josh Philippe, 23, and left-arm death bowler Daniel Sams, 27, could prove key.

Coach Justin Langer and captain Aaron Finch are particularly excited about the talents of paceman Meredith and the classy Philippe.

With Sams, an opening and death bowler who also hits the ball hard and has forged a fine reputation in Big Bash cricket, Bailey believes the Aussies are ready.

“Riley is a young fast bowler, a good athlete with pretty good air speed and we are really excited about him,” he said.

“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 match-winning innings.

“And Daniel is an exciting bowling allrounder, leading wicket-taker in the Bash last year, and is another fantastic athlete and good striker of the ball.”

Australia come into their three-match T20 series against England ranked the top side in the world and with England similarly ranked in 50-overs cricket the T20s and three-match ODIS to follow promise to be good battles.

With Morgan missing all-rounder Ben Stokes, the tourists will sense a chance to set the record straight after the miserable 2018 tour.

“There is always a fierce rivalry between these two teams and certainly the last time the one day team was over here they got a proper ‘touch up’ from England,” added Bailey.

“I don’t think it is particularly relevant as to who is ranked higher or who should be favourites. It is about playing really well individually and collectively.

“But that certainly is at the front of my mind. You never like to be beaten by England or as badly as we were last time.”

Australia were frustrated in their attempts to finish a 50-overs warm-up game at Southampton yesterday due to rain.