New Zealand tour. He was also made captain of Australia for a short one day international tour of the United Arab Emirates. And he was picked in the 13-man Australian one day squad for the finals. However he did not play any games. 1985–86 Tour of New Zealand: Australian vice captain As well as being vice captain, Bright was one of the selectors of the Australian tour party (along with Alan Border and David Boon). Border and Bright were the only members of the squad who had toured New Zealand before. Bright began the tour well with 5–42 against Northern Districts. He was 12th man for the first test as Border felt the pitch was more suited to a seamer. He played the second test making 0–51. His batting was useful helping Australia escape with a draw. Bright led Australia for the first time in a one-day game against Nelson. He captained Australia in a three-day game against Central Districts, which ended in a draw. He was kept on for the third test making 2–58 and 0–29. He was left out of the team for the first one-day internationals. Australia lost, Alan Border threatened to resign, and Ray Bright, as vice captain, chaired a meeting of the players which resulting in them reiterating support for their captain. Bright was back in the team for the third game, taking 0–31 and at the crease when Australia won a thrilling victory. Bright was so over joyed he smashed the stumps. Australia won the fourth game which Bright played but did not bowl in. He took 9 first class wickets at 33 for the tour. Coach Bob Simpson said the team were "most fortunate" to have Ray Bright as vice captain on tour since his "attitude and application have been an inspiration to the whole touring party." 1986 Tour of Sharjah: Australian captain The tour of the UAE followed, where Bright captained the side. Australia only played one game, against Pakistan. Australia made 7–202, which Pakistan reached in 49 overs for the loss of two wickets. Bright took 1–28. 1986 Tour of India: The second tied Test Bright was still chosen on the tour of India, as the second spinner alongside Greg Matthews. He ended up playing all three tests. Bright began the tour badly taking 0–55 and 0–61 in a tour game. He took four wickets in 3 matches at an average