George Bailey has what it takes to captain the Test side, says Mickey Arthur. Picture: Getty Images.

George Bailey became the first Australian in 135 years to make his international debut as captain when he played his first Twenty20 match last year.

Now former coach Mickey Arthur says the Tasmanian can replicate that feat at Test level.

Bailey's imposing one-day form and leadership success in India has underpinned his surge towards the No.6 batting position when Australia start their campaign to regain the Ashes at the Gabba next month.

Arthur said that the continuing doubts over the fitness of Test captain Michael Clarke meant Bailey could do something not seen since Dave Gregory led Australia in the first Test match in 1877.

"George Bailey made his debut in Twenty20 cricket as captain and it is feasible that he could do the same in Test cricket," he said.

"He has got plenty of credits after doing such a good job in India.

"If Pup's (Clarke) back goes tomorrow, I don't know who would captain Australia in Test cricket. It is feasible that Bailey could do it."

Arthur said Bailey had made an emphatic claim for inclusion in the top order after scores of 85, 92 not out, 43 and 98 in his past four one-day outings.

The 31-year-old has a career average of just 38.29 from 96 first-class matches but has adapted superbly to international cricket after being elevated to Australia's two limited-overs teams during Arthur's period in charge.

His 52 appearances have been marked by an unflappable temperament, his poise under pressure and an ability to adapt to the requirements of the situation.

Arthur urged the national selectors - including his replacement Darren Lehmann - to identify Australia's best six batsmen and stick with them for as long as possible in the series against England.

"George is the sixth best bats- man and they have to run with him for a few Tests," he said.

"You have to pick your best six and stick with them.

"And you can't have (Phil) Hughes batting in four different positions or (Shane) Watson going up and down and Pup four then five."

Arthur said he had never encountered a player who matched Clarke's diligence to rehab but warned that the captain's chronic deteriorating back meant he could be forced out of action with little warning.

Clarke pulled out of the Indian tour to work on a fitness program and is not expected to be fit until the second round of Sheffield Shield matches next month.

"The thing with Michael is that it can go just like that," he said.

"One thing that happened in England this year was that he could not play at the Champions Trophy so we did not have a captain in the squad because he was sitting in London.

"That destabilised us a lot. His history is that if his back goes it takes a long time to get it right.

"There is no one more professional about doing his rehab so you don't have to worry about that, but what happens if his back goes again?"