Bailey hails Warner as ‘a natural leader’

George Bailey delivered a glowing appraisal of David Warner’s leadership following Australia’s two-wicket win in Dambulla, in which Bailey had led the chase. It was Warner’s first international in charge, and though his batting continued to ail him, his attack proved penetrative in the defining first half of the match.

Australia’s seamers took two early wickets, and though Dinesh Chandimal and Tillakaratne Dilshan put up a 73-run second wicket stand, the middle and lower order could not muster substantial partnerships. Sri Lanka were all out for 226 in the 50th over.

Bailey has plenty of experience as a leader, having captained Australia in 57 limited-overs matches. He said Warner was a good leader because, among other things, he typified the kind of cricket Australia wish to play.

“I think Davey’s a natural leader,” Bailey said. “He’s always been a leader in terms of the way he plays the game. A lot of the things we talk about as a team – that Darren Lehmann has always talked about – driving the game, playing the game aggressively, and taking the game on, you’re talking about Davey Warner when you do that.

“The conversations that I was privy to when he was talking to the bowlers, he was really clear and direct. He keeps things simple and they’re all pretty good things to have as a skipper. We were …

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