Border backs Bailey for Ashes, urges selectors not to risk Faulkner

Sydney: Australian cricket great Allan Border has warned the national selectors not to do anything funky with team selection although Shane Watson`s injuries are taking the toll on the fragile all-rounder ahead of the Ashes.

According to News.com.au, if, as expected, Watson is unable to bowl in the first Test at the Gabba, beginning in 11 days, the record-breaking former captain insists that Australia play six batsmen and has nominated George Bailey to fill the vacant number six spot. The only way Border can see James Faulkner playing in Brisbane is as a fourth seamer ahead of a spinner but is uncomfortable with that option, the report said. Border picked David Warner, Chris Rogers, Shane Watson, Michael Clarke (c), Steve Smith, George Bailey, Brad Haddin, Mitch Johnson, Peter Siddle, Ryan Harris, Nathan Lyon and12th James Faulkner for his Australian Ashes team.