The Roar
The Roar

Advertisement

Could Bird be the difference in the Ashes?

Roar Guru
18th May, 2013
32

Jackson Bird could be the decisive factor in the Ashes and is a must in the first Test at Trent Bridge.

Bird had his Test debut against Sri Lanka in Melbourne. In that match he took four wickets and showed why he’d averaged 19 in the shield.

Bird’s strength is his ability to bowl line and length. This builds pressure on the batsmen and causes loose shots.

Bird has averaged 19 in his first class career – this stat is a story on it’s own. 19 is in the unbelievable as far as averages go.

The best bowlers of all time have not had an average of 19. Dennis Lillee averaged 23.46, Imran Khan 22.32, Wasim Akram 21.64 and Glenn McGrath 20.85.

I know Bird cannot be put with these bowlers yet, but it shows just how amazing his average is.

If Bird stays injury free he could win Australia the Ashes and become a full time part of the Australian line-up for years to come. Maybe even cement a place as one of the best bowlers in the world.

My bowling line-up for the first Test, along with Bird, would be:
Mitchell Starc, for his ability to destroy batting orders when the ball is swinging.
James Pattinson, for his express pace, aggression and because he is not scared to ruffle some feathers.
Then, depending on the pitch, James Faulkner or Nathan Lyon.

Advertisement

I have left Peter Siddle out because he is lacking that x-factor the other bowlers in the side have.

But because of injury he could feature throughout the tournament.

close