Australia’s next Test stars: Bailey backs young batting depth

Australia's chief selector George Bailey says the depth of young batting talent is a source of excitement, not concern, as the Test team enters a transition period following Usman Khawaja's retirement. Ollie Peake, 19, and Campbell Kellaway, 23, are among a dozen or more aspirants vying for spots. Peake, touted by Ricky Ponting, averages 26 in first-class cricket, while Kellaway is heading to India with Australia A. Critics have noted only two Shield batters averaged over 40 last season, but Bailey argues such dominance is historically rare and prefers to focus on the players' ongoing development.