India deserve to be No.1: George Bailey

Although they lost the tour-opener to India, Australia have taken positives from the only T20I, which will hold them in good stead as the seven-match ODI series pans out. While speaking to the media on Saturday afternoon, captain George Bailey said, “It was good game of cricket. Aaron Finch's form at the top of the order was great and the way Xavier Doherty bowled was very pleasing. We fielded well and the way we went about our batting, there were a lot of things to like.” (Also Read: Australia’s batting depth as their strength: MS Dhoni)

Although the visitors will be focusing on one game at a time, they will be hoping to topple India from the No.1 ODI spot as they had mentioned ahead of the T20I. But elaborating on that wish, Bailey said, “I think it will be silly to go in hoping for a 6-1 result. It’s a long way away. Realistically, I will be very surprised – happily surprised – if that happens. It’s a one-match-at-a-time focus for us.” (Also Read: India vs Australia Star Sports 1st ODI 2013: Preview)

And while they make their way forward, the side from Down Under will need to perform consistently in all areas of their game to beat India. Asked if bowling in the death overs was a concern given their performance in the match at Rajkot, he said, “I don't think there were any concerns with the conditions. (...) It was a more a matter of execution.”

Discussing their opposition, Bailey mentioned, “India are very good. They deserve to be No.1 in the world. They were the best team in the Champions Trophy. They are a very well-balanced side and we have to combat that. We are in a reasonable position to do that. I feel their batting is very strong. They bat right through to eight and nine. Their top seven are really strong. But if you focus too much on one batter, then another one is going to jump up and hurt you. So it is important to be consistent across the board and knowing that if we are going to bowl them out, keep them to a manageable target, we have to bowl well.”

Asked if they will be targeting the home team’s bowling, the Australia captain said, “We are not necessarily targeting. We have to play really consistent cricket to win the series, it can’t be just one factor. The other night we batted really well but perhaps didn't bowl the same way. We need to put in an all-round performance.”

When reminded about Australia never losing an ODI series in India, Bailey responded saying, “I don't worry about it too much. It is basically like you worry about whether you will finish 1 or 2 in the world. I am not really thinking about maintaining the streak.”

As they look to negotiate the hosts’ batting line-up, pacer Mitchell Johnson is likely to play a key role in the side. Speaking about the value that the bowler adds to the side, the skipper stated, “I was really impressed with his bowling in England; he was outstanding. His asset is his pace, which is always very helpful here. We try and use him at the important phase of the game. He can swing the new ball, which is very important here. Those two things we are hoping to see from him.”

Xavier Doherty's is another bowler who is likely to play a key role for the team. Asked about the team’s strengths, he said, “I think he has got really good changes of pace. He makes subtle use of variations. He is not a big turner, but not many left-arm spinners that are – particularly in one-day cricket – but they are hitting the stumps and creating challenges for the batters to score, which he does well.”

Asked if India has home advantage if any, Bailey replied, “A lot of IPL games have been played on this ground and I am sure most of the Indian cricketers have already played on this ground. It will be a full-house tomorrow and I am sure there will be a certain home advantage for India.”

sorce: bcci.tv