was picked in the Australian side for the second test against New Zealand at the spin-friendly SCG, replacing an unfit Geoff Lawson as a third spin option (alongside Bob Holland and Greg Matthews). Bright had not been expected to play – most observers thought Murray Bennett, who was in strong form and had toured England in 1985 would get the nod. According to one report, "Bright has played in 16 Tests after making his debut... His gritty outlook and stubborn tactics has not always endeared him, particularly as the Victorian leader. But his determined, sometimes abrasive stance, is what is needed to counter the exultant New Zealanders." Bright ended up having an excellent game, taking 2–87 and 3–39 and helping Australia win the match. Alan Border praised the contribution to the side made by the return of veterans Bright and David Hookes. "Now there's a lot more experience in the side with Hookes and Bright," he said. "It's a lot easier on me. With the side in England and even in the first Test against New Zealand there was basically only me that would say anything of a stern nature or a congratulatory nature. But we've got Hookesy now walk ing around and really giving Craig McDcrmott a big rocket or a positive word. The way Ray and David keep an eye on things, it's not just me any more. The feeling over the past few weeks has been great but now there's a greater commitment." Bright was picked in the 12 for the third test but did not play, with Australia picking a third pace bowler. He was preferred to Bob Holland for the first test against India, taking 1–80. Bright took 6–74 against NSW in a Shield game which ensured his retention for the second test against India. He took 0–76 but scored 28 runs in the first innings. He kept his place for the third test, and even though it was at the spin friendly SCG, was badly mauled by the Indian batsmen, taking 0–121. (In Bright's defence, other Australian spinners also fared poorly – and Bright had to deal with an inexperienced wicketkeeper in Wayne Phillips.) That summer, Bright became Victoria's most capped player with 100 games, overtaking Bill Lawry's record of 99. He ultimately took 27 wickets at 37.92. Despite his poor results against India, Bright was picked as spinner and vice captain on the