Paceman Jackson Bird took an impressive first step to a national recall with his four-wicket haul in Friday night’s Big Bash League opener.
Bird hopes he can build enough form over the coming weeks that selectors will find a spot for him on next February’s South African tour.
He was outstanding for the Melbourne Stars in their easy 76-run win over local rivals the Renegades.
Bird was on a hat-trick and snared 4-31.
Other than a few district matches and some warm-up contests for the BBL, Friday night was also Bird’s first game of cricket since he injured his back in August during the Ashes tour.
Asked if he can make the South African squad, Bird replied: “Absolutely – I’ve been bowling for eight weeks now.
“After this week, I’m available for selection for all formats.
“Hopefully, if I can get through this Big Bash and stay fit, I can get a trip to South Africa.
“But in saying that, I have six or seven games for the Stars to think about and if I don’t go to South Africa, I have four games for Tassie.”
Bird’s impeccable line and length on Friday night showed why he broke into the Test team a year ago.
After some initial nerves, he settled into a strong rhythm and impressed Renegades captain Aaron Finch.
“He bowling very well – his consistency was fantastic,” Finch said.
“He hit the wicket hard, made it hard for us, so he made us hit good ballls if we were going to score.
“That’s what you want from your main fast bowler … to really lead the attack.
“He was brilliant.”
Since the injury in England, Bird has worked hard on his bowling action and is confident the back problem is now in check.
“It gets a little bit stiff, but I’ve injured it enough times now to know what is good and bad pain,” he said post-match.
Bird also has no ill feelings that he has missed out on this summer’s domination of England in the return Ashes series.
“You want to be out there playing, but to see the guys do so well and win the first three Tests in the fashion they did, it’s great for Australian cricket,” Bird said.
“I’m just happy for the boys and hopefully we can get 5-0.”
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