Bailey expects to make way for Clarke

Melbourne, Feb 13 (IANS) George Bailey Friday conceded he is likely to make way for Michael Clarke when the injured skipper returns for Australia’s second ICC World Cup match against Bangladesh Feb 21.

Clarke made a successful comeback for Australia in the second warm-up match Wednesday at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), scoring 64, bowling two overs and fielding, but will miss Saturday’s tournament opener at the same venue. 

However, head coach Darren Lehmann said Thursday Clarke will play against Bangladesh in Brisbane next week and meet the fitness deadline of Feb 21 set by the national selectors when the 15-man World Cup squad was selected Jan 11. 

With Clarke returning and the imperious form of Steve Smith, Bailey’s run of low scores that saw him average under six in the ODI tri-series, also involving India and England, will likely see him be the man replaced.