George Bailey's impressive leadership skills have added momentum to his growing push for up an Ashes middle order spot.
Bailey's tactical prowess and calming influence over a young playing group have been on show as he takes the reins during Australia's one-day tour of India.
In the absence of regular skipper Michael Clarke (back) and coach Darren Lehmann, Bailey has taken on additional responsibilities.
He has also continued his great batting form for Australia's one-day side, having scored 1146 runs since his debut in March last year.
In doing so he matched Greg Chappell as the fastest Australian to crack 1000 ODI runs, achieving the feat in just 26 innings.
Bailey's ability to compile composed innings and steer Australia to competitive scores with wickets falling, as he did with a near-chanceless 85 in Sunday's series-opening victory in Pune, have caught the eye of selectors.
But it is the 31-year-old's ability to lead which could push him ahead of fellow hopefuls Shaun Marsh, Alex Doolan, Nic Maddinson, Usman Khawaja and Phil Hughes.
In an Australian team which has been drained of experienced campaigners, following the twin retirements of Ricky Ponting and Michael Hussey last summer, Bailey's captaincy qualities could prove invaluable.
Fellow Ashes hopeful Mitchell Johnson said Bailey, who also took over Australia's T20 captaincy last year, was developing into a fine leader.
"Captaincy-wise he's still pretty fresh with it," Johnson told AAP.
"But I think he's starting to feel a bit more comfortable.
"I think his performance as a captain (in Sunday's ODI win in Pune) was exceptional.
"He came in and did the job as captain, he stood up and worked us bowlers the right way."
Johnson admitted he butted heads with Bailey on the field when the skipper pulled him out of the attack after three overs - Johnson wanted one more.
"I did say I wanted another one but he was right, it was the best decision," Johnson said.
"I had cooked myself pretty early and in these (hot, humid) conditions you've got to be smart."
The middle order has been a source of frustration for Australian cricket this season.
Following the retirement of Hussey in January there has been no one with the requisite skills to halt a collapse and shift the momentum in Australia's favour, putting additional pressure on Clarke and the top order.
The "Hussey role" is something Bailey has embraced in the 50-over game, further strengthening his Test case.
Test vice-captain Brad Haddin said Bailey's Test prospect would only be enhanced by a successful series in India.
"I think no matter what form of the game you play it's important to score runs and all that other stuff will take care of itself," Haddin said.
"(Bailey is) a very good student of the game. He enjoys talking about the game and his captaincy is very relaxed."
Australia's Test squad for the Ashes-opening Test at the Gabba will be announced on November 12.
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