Australia's Bailey to lead Kings XI Punjab

New Delhi, March 18 (IANS) Australia Twenty20 captain George Bailey will captain Kings XI Punjab in the seventh Indian Premier League beginning April 16.

“He was the unanimous choice. He has got success as a leader in domestic tournaments like Sheffield Shield in Australia,” coach Sanjay Bangar was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.

“He had also led Australia in the Twenty20 format. And then the overall type of character he is, who can understand a range of players from the bigger names to ones that have limited ability. We are confident he has the ability to bring out the best from everyone.”

Bailey gets into the shoes of compatriot Adam Gilchrist, who led the franchise for two years before retiring last year.

The Punjab team bought the right-hand batsman for Rs.3.25 crore at the IPL auction last month, along with fellow Australians Mitchell Johnson, Glenn Maxwell and Shaun Marsh.