Bailey backs Bollinger's selection bid

19 Sep 2012, 7:10 pm   -   Source: AAP
Bowler Doug Bollinger has enjoyed a strong return to international cricket at the World T20 series. (AAP)

Bowler Doug Bollinger has enjoyed a strong return to international cricket at the World T20 series. (AAP)

Doug Bollinger continues to make waves in his bid to win a place back in the national Test side, and he has the support of T20 captain George Bailey.

Australia Twenty20 captain George Bailey says Doug Bollinger's lively start to the Australian domestic season has boosted his hopes of a Test recall.

Bollinger has a fine record at Test level with 50 wickets at 25.92 in 12 matches.

But his most recent game in the baggy green was a potential career-killer, when the big left-armer's endurance came under fire against England at Adelaide in 2010, following a disjointed preparation which included the Champions League Twenty20 tournament.

The 31-year-old NSW quick hasn't added to his tallies of 39 one-day internationals and two Twenty20 Internationals since 2011.

However Bollinger has started the Australian domestic season with a bang, taking 3-55 in Western Australia's first innings of the Shield match in Perth this week.

Bollinger also claimed 4-67 from 13 overs in last weekend's one-day game against the Warriors.

"When Dougie is fit and going well, he's probably as good a bowler as there is in the country," Bailey said this week in Colombo where Australia will play their opening World T20 Group B clash with Ireland on Wednesday night (2000 AEST).

"It's also going to put the competition on notice that if you're vying for a spot, if you're hanging on in the (national) team by a thread, that this guy is gunning for it."

Bollinger says if he keeps taking wickets and swinging the ball you never know what might happen.

NSW and Test captain Michael Clarke has never seen Bollinger in better shape.

"I have faced him in the nets the last week or so and I think it is as quick as I have seen him bowl," Clarke said earlier this week.

Australia host heavyweights South Africa for a Test series in November.

Bailey said NSW allrounder Steve Smith and Western Australia youngster Mitch Marsh were also pushing hard for national recalls in limited-overs matches this summer.

Marsh hit 78 and took 1-34 off six overs last weekend in the one-dayer against NSW while Smith made an unbeaten 99 for the Blues.

Marsh has battled injury and discipline issues in 2012. The 20-year-old has played one ODI and three T20 Internationals.

  • Follow us: 
  • Follow us on Facebook
  • Follow us on Twitter
  • Follow us on Youtube