George Bailey has reportedly backed right-handed batsman and Vice-captain of the Australian ODI team, Brad Haddin, to take up the reigns of the team in the first Test against India but has refused to rule out injured skipper Michael Clarke.
Bailey said that he expected Haddin to be behind the stumps at the Gabba from December 4-8 and lead the team on the field if Clarke is unable to recover in time, reported News.com.au.
He said that Haddin would "relish the opportunity and he deserves the opportunity."
He refuted the suggestion that one of the younger Australians should be asked to lead the team with an eye to the future.
