Could Bird be the difference in the Ashes?

You're probably right there Josh, but I suspect the selectors will stick with Siddle at least to start with Patterson and probably Bird.

Bird should be a certainty I think, probably with Harris and pattison for the first test. Starc gives away too many runs and Siddle as much as I love him isn't as good as those 3 . However given Harris will last 2 tests max then Siddle and starc will get a run

Having previously been a little worried about Jackson's bird's potential impact in the ashes, I looked to see if he'd had experience in England, and realized he travelled last summer with the Aussie a team and ODI squad. It seems he was relatively innocuous and spanked around by bairstow and root in the a games, while pattinson (as quick as he is and undoubtedly full of potential) had no penetration at all in the ODIs he played in. Its not as if the eng batsmen have never faced them before! Granted, this may have little influence on this year's performances, but surely shows how ridiculous these claims of the Aussie attack being world class are- they've got zero experience at home or abroad at the highest level, to burden them with world class tags after a handful of tests is utter delusion. To put it in perspective, Steven Finn who decimated the Aussies in the ODIs last year, and was the youngest eng bowler to 50 wickets, and has 84 in 20 test matches, compared to pattinsons 40 in 10, both with strike rates of around 45, which is the best measure of a strike bowler, and bowl above 90 mph. However Finn's average is not where he would like it to be, he's currently a litte too expensive when he's not bowling at his best, and needs to work on his control in the 44 other deliveries that don't lead to wickets. He doesn't build up pressure as well as Anderson and broad, hence Bresnan's ominous presence, he builds pressure but has less strike power. Now, this is an honest assessment of a clearly promising young bower- is he world class? Not a chance! Will he become world class, maybe... In all likelihood yes... Can you Aussies be as self critical about your fast bowling unit? In the days when eng were dominated by the Aussies, we were never delusional, we knew we were poor and made grass root changes to rectify it- the reason he county championship is the best quality first class cricket in the world now, is partly because it has two divisions, an idea mooted when we were regularly mauled by the old enemy. To improve, you have to realize and accept you're really poor, the fast bowlers should see this as an opportunity to develop in unfamiliar conditions, not bring back the ashes. Siddle, who I don't rate, has to play, because if eng are at 300 for 3 one day on a flat wicket with an old ball, he will at least have the experience not to panic and will keep running in, a completely inexperienced pace attack on foreign soil facing pietersen in that situation would be obliterated. Harris is your best bowler by a long way, and is the highest rated by the English public, he's always a threat.... But will not make it through more than two test matches, great for us, shame for you and him because he's a class act.

Faulkner swings the ball more consistently than Starc and also has the ability to move the ball both ways. But I'd still be picking Starc because he's 10kmh quicker and gets way more bounce. Why no mention of Harris? He comprehensively outbowled Faulkner and Hilfy in the Shield final on a very flat deck. His new ball spell of 4-8 on the fourth morning was astounding. He also troubled the English batsmen more than any Aussie bowler in his limited appearances in the last Ashes. For me he has to play the first Test to give us a flying start and can then be rested as necessary.

Nick, do you see the contradiction in your article? On the one hand you declare Jackson Bird as potentially the decisive factor in the series (and I don't necessarily disagree), saying: "Bird’s strength is his ability to bowl line and length". [I'll add he moves it a bit, more than Pigeon, is a bit quicker than Pidge, and almost as tall. He has the credentials to be a longstanding quality test bowler.] Then you list the erratic Mitchell Starc as your first bowler picked. Yes Starc could be dangerous, but we need consistency. I think you'll find Patinson and Siddle will be certain starters for the first test, and Bird and Harris will be fighting for the 3rd seamer's spot. With the state of Harris's knees, I can see all four right-armers playing in 3 or 4 of the tests. Starc may get a go and Faulkner is there for backup and experience, though he could be useful. Incidentally Faulkner's problem is that he isn't in the top 3 seamers, and he isn't a good enough batsman to bat at 6, meaning you'd need your keeper at 6 (and Faulkner at 7). I'd like to see them try one test with no Siddle, so with all three of Harris, Bird and Patto there.

Very true Disco and he's had to battle his way back. He's get some runs too if he didn't have an Afridi like compulsion to hit everything out of the ground.

Southee's far more experienced, however; he's been around the Test traps a little bit beyond a couple of Tests at home against Sri Lanka.

I agree with leaving Siddle out. He's not bowling it consistently full enough for England... But is Bird the saviour? Nope. Broad just got 7 overnight. Our bowlers are good but this idea they're better is unfounded. England have 3 bowlers capable of taking big hauls and the fourth, Finn, destroyed us in the one day comp last year. For the record, I'd go in with Bird, Harris, Pattinson, Lyon and with backup from Glass Ego Watson

Just have to add if you looked at Southees bowling from yesterday there was alot of Jackson Bird about it.

To be fair, I don't think Bird's figures are the only reason many have been impressed with him. Sure, he took wickets against a fairly average Sri Lankan side, but I was more impressed with the manner of his bowling. He was bowling a genuine Test class line and length, consistently putting it in the right spots. You could also see that his style of bowling would be very dangerous in English conditions.

He actually averages better outside bellerieve...

Jackson Bird isn't a front-line bowler for the Australian Test team. He did well as a replacement against a depleted second tier Test nation. His first-class average does not show that he's better than McGrath - it shows that his home ground in 2012-13 was bellreive.

Faulkner If starc isnt taking wickets, he's conceding runs. All the pressure will be off the English if he isn't firing.

Yes we could do well to give them the Bird. If his early test performances are indicative of his skill, then he will cause the English batsmen more than an occasional moment of discomfort.