Advertisement

'He might be the first cricketer dismissed butt before wicket'

George Bailey showed off his bizarre new batting stance in the first ODI at the SCG and needless to say there were many scratching their heads.

Bailey has been adopting the unconventional approach for most of 2016, completely closing off his front side and showing more of his back to the bowler than his front.

However the first one-dayer against New Zealand is the first time he's displayed it to international audiences.

SCORECARD: Australia v New Zealand, first ODI

MATCH REPORT: Smith stars as Aussies break ODI drought

As the bowler runs in, Bailey is almost facing cover before turning square on as the ball is delivered.

Bailey's weird stance. Image: Channel 9
Bailey's weird stance. Image: Channel 9

"It's unbelievable every time I see it. He's a highly intelligent man and he looks to be over-complicating the game," commentator Mark Nicholas said.

Of course social media had a field day:

Former skipper Michael Clarke defended Bailey, saying if the technique works for him he should continue to use it.

Unfortunately he could only manage 17 on Sunday.