George Bailey in action. Source: AAP
AUSTRALIA'S selectors had rare cause for optimism on Wednesday as George Bailey all but blasted himself into the Test XI and the likely Ashes top six enjoyed extended stints at the crease.
True, two of those batsmen scored heavily in the one-day international format half a world away.
And the remainder were plying their trade in the Sheffield Shield. But, after several inconsistent seasons, Australia's top order will take whatever is on offer just three weeks out from the Ashes opener in Brisbane.
Bailey and Shane Watson were undoubtedly the stars of Wednesday, posting dashing centuries in the sixth one-day international against India in Nagpur to propel Australia to an intimidating 6-350 from their 50 overs.
Watson, who will almost certainly bat at No. 3 at the Gabba later this month, belted three sixes and 13 boundaries en route to 102 from just 94 deliveries.
And Bailey continued his remarkable tour of India with a career-best innings of 156 from 114 balls - the highest score by an Australian captain in an ODI against India.
The pair shared a third-wicket stand of 168 as Australia looked to close out the seven-game limited overs series in India.
Bailey's stunning innings should go far to ensuring his Test debut against England at the Gabba later this month. Australia's stand-in ODI captain has scored an incredible 474 runs at 118.5 this series against India - the world's top-ranked 50-over side - and has done so at a strike rate nudging 120.
Bailey's latest outing resulted in six sixes, 13 boundaries and strokes to all corners of the Vidarbha Cricket Association Stadium. At a time when Australia's Test middle order requires stability, Bailey looks ready to answer the call.
The other likely members of Australia's Test top six also enjoyed decent time in the middle on Wednesday. Michael Clarke posted a solid 88 in his return from back injury during NSW's Sheffield Shield match against Tasmania.
And while Chris Rogers, David Warner and Steve Smith did not pass 50, all occupied the crease for extended periods.
Likely Australian top order - composite Wednesday scoreboard:
Chris Rogers c Cartwright b Behrendorff 36 (101)
David Warner c&b Hilfenhaus 21(30)
Shane Watson b Shami 102 (94)
Michael Clarke c Paine b Rainbird 88 (190)
Steve Smith c Rose b Rainbird 42 (47)
George Bailey C Kohli b Jadeja 156 (114)
30 Oct, 2013
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Source: http://www.news.com.au/national/george-bailey-ton-all-but-secures-ashes-test-nod-for-australia/story-e6frfkp9-1226750026105?from=public_rss
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