Would love to play in World T20 for Australia: George Bailey

AUSTRALIAN BATSMAN George Bailey has said he would love to be part of his country's World T20 squad, and added the best way to get selected is to score runs.

"There's a World Cup looming around the corner, and I'd love to be part of it," Bailey was quoted as saying by espncricinfo.com on Sunday.

"I'll try to drop as many subtle hints as I can in front of Finchy (captain Aaron Finch). And I'm pretty sure the selectors know I'm not retired now, so that's a step in the right direction. But runs are always the best currency."

The World T20 tournament starts in March and will be hosted by India.

Bailey, the former captain of the Australian T20 team, is member of the Kings XI Punjab franchise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) and has considerable experience of playing in Indian conditions.

"I've played a lot of T20 cricket in the subcontinent and had some experience in World Cups. So, hopefully that holds me in good stead," he said.

Speaking about the issue, Finch said both an 18-year-old and a veteran everyone will be considered when picking a team for the world trophy which they have never won before. 

"If we think they can help win a game for Australia, I don't think there's any reason not to consider them," Finch said on Monday.

"I'm not saying that any of them will be selected. But at the same time, you have to look at everyone.”

"We are trying to win a world tournament for the first time, and we would be silly not to have a look at the make-up and see if you can fit whoever it is. Whether it's an 18-year-old kid or a 45-year-old Brad Hogg - I think you have to look at that option. But it doesn't necessarily mean it will happen," he added.

Finch also said both India and Australia are passionate about their cricket and therefore the matches of the limited over series starting from Tuesday will be an engaging contest. India will play the first match of a five-match One-Day International (ODI) at Perth on Tuesday.

"We (Australia and India) are both two very passionate teams. They play with their hearts on their sleeves, and they're quite emotional people, as we are. We all want to win a game for our country. You do whatever it takes within the rules. That's why there's always some great battles with India, there's some great confrontation which adds to the excitement of the game," he concluded.