This is the only way to describe the captaincy of George Baily for Australia A against New Zealand. In typical gloomy humid conditions in Brisbane Bailey sent the Kiwis in after winning the toss. With four bowlers to choose from it was always going to be interesting to see how he used his bowlers but unfortunately he might have show more about his inept captaincy than anything else.
With Cutting being the form bowler and bowling in home conditions one would have thought he would open the bowling or at least be first change bowler, especially when the opening bowlers (Hilfenaus and Pattinson) do nothing to impress and first change bowler, Starc, is nothing but expensive. Interestingly though bailey waited until New Zealand were 0-100 and with two overs left till lunch that he would throw the ball to Cutting. To add to the confusion of it all the off-spinner Beer got a bowl before Cutting. A lot will say that Cutting got hit around the park by McCullum and went for a few but once McCullum is in he will carve up any team. Let a fired up Cutting at McCullum early and it might have been a different day altogether.
With Australia needing to see if these bowlers can step up and be a candidate for the first test the onus was on the captain to ensure that all the bowlers have a fair chance of proving their ability. But with New Zealand wanting to prepare for the Test Match they will take every chance to use time in the middle and potentially may not have to bat again in this game. With Bailey from the same state as Hilfenhaus it is no surprise he made sure he had the best chance to impress, didn't quite go to plan though. If anything Bailey may have only ensured that Hilfenhaus, Pattinson and Starc are not ensured a call up with their inability to do anything with the new ball. There is still plenty of time to go in the match and tomorrow might see Cutting given a chance with the ball first up. Either way I think Bailey might have done damage to his chances of leading an Australian A team again.
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