Middle-order batsman Bailey, who made his international debut as a T20 captain against India in 2012, steps in place of former captain Greg Chappell, who retired from the post on the conclusion of the Ashes. Queensland captain Usman Khawaja appreciated the move, emphasizing that players, as among the biggest stakeholders of the game, find it crucial to have an active cricketer in the thick of things, despite his current absence from the Test side. "I think there is always an option there. I think there is no one more involved and more relevant in the game than people who are actually playing the game," Khawaja said.

Bailey beat two other candidates in the former Victoria and South Australia batsman Michael Klinger and another experienced former domestic cricketer in Greg Shipperd. Cricket Australia's head of national teams Ben Oliver said focus was on to bring more perspective of limited-overs cricket in the selection panel, something that Bailey found favour in.

"The panel, and all three, will be responsible for all Australian men's teams. What we've tried to achieve in this recruitment process is adding in some complementary skills to support Trevor and Justin, and one of those is a consideration around short-format cricket", Oliver said.

Bailey last led his country during times of crisis, frequently sidelined due to back and hamstring injuries, playing for Australia in an ODI against New Zealand at Melbourne in 2016. He was a part of the World Cup-winning side at home in 2015 - he even captained Australia in the opening game against England - as well as the team that retained the Ashes at home under Clarke in 2013-14.