George Bailey puzzled with selection of Cartwright ahead of Indian tour

34-year old Australian cricketer George Bailey has gone on to add his perplexion for the inclusion of 24-year old Hilton Cartwright ahead of the India tour. Cartwright was handed a debut and is viewed by one and all as the batting all-rounder with a spinning option as well.

However, despite this, Bailey seems quite skeptical about the inclusion of Cartwright in the grand scheme of things given the inexperience he has playing cricket in the subcontinent.

“They’re getting a better output from their entire batting line up and not just Smith and Warner, so I think that’s sorted the batting problems that upset the South African series,” Bailey told RSN.

“I think the all-rounder’s role, the key is their bowling. Even looking ahead as far as India. I’m not sure — and I probably don’t know Hilton’s game well enough — I’m not sure his game or even just a guy at that age is ready to take on India in India.”

He also went on to add that perhaps Glenn maxwell is one player who needs to get the nod ahead of Cartwright on the side. The 34-year old also believed that James Faulkner is another contender for the role. “I know (Glenn Maxwell’s) name has been mentioned a hell of a lot. He probably hasn’t done himself lots of favors over the past couple of years with his Shield batting,” Bailey said.

“But I think James Faulkner has been outstanding this year with his Shield 100 and a 70. Even someone like a Dan Christian. Guys that are phenomenal all-rounders who have been putting some good numbers on the board for a long time.”

He, however, sympathized with the selectors stating that picking an all-rounder for the role would be incredibly difficult. “That role, it’s a bloody hard role to pick. And if you get it right, all-rounder can be key,” Bailey said. “When you’ve got an all-rounder on your side it makes you very difficult to beat.

He went on to conclude that his Perth Scorchers teammate Mitchell Marsh would be an ideal fit as well. “I’d love to see Mitch Marsh get another crack. I think he’s a phenomenal cricketer. The selectors would probably argue he had more chances than most would get.”