Bailey stands down as Australia\\\'s T20 skipper

SYDNEY, Sept 7 (AFP): George Bailey has given up the captaincy of Australia's Twenty20 team to focus on playing in next year's World Cup, Cricket Australia said Sunday.

Bailey, 32, has indicated that he wants to prepare for the one-day World Cup in Australia and New Zealand next February-March and to play more first-class cricket for his state Tasmania, particularly before Christmas.

CA said Bailey has made himself unavailable for selection for Australia's T20 International fixtures on the upcoming tour of the United Arab Emirates against Pakistan, and unavailable for Australia's three T20 internationals at home against South Africa in November.

Bailey was appointed T20 captain in January 2012, taking over from Cameron White, and in that time he competed in two ICC World T20 tournaments.