Like many, fast bowler Jackson Bird was confused when he learned his batting initially cost him an Australian Test slot.
The 29-year-old quick is back in the national squad for the third Test against South Africa starting Thursday after being overlooked for the initial games in the series.
Ex-chairman of selectors Rod Marsh cited Bird’s batting as the reason for being shunned.
“I was a little bit confused at first but I think there was just a breakdown in communication really,” he told reporters on Tuesday.
“I suppose the only thing you can do is cop that sort of stuff on the chin.”
Bird responded by posting his highest first-class score – 39 – in Tasmania’s next Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.
“I guess I knew what I had to work on really so I thought I responded pretty well in the Shield game here in Adelaide,” he said.
“It was nice to spend some time out in the middle, I haven’t really done that in the last three years.
“I feel like I’m not a bad batsman but I have just been out of form for about 18 months now.”
Bird admitted disappointment at being snubbed for the initial Tests, given he took five wickets in his last Test innings before the South African series.
“I feel like my bowling is good enough for Test cricket and I feel like I’m in pretty good form at the moment with the ball,” he said.
“That was probably the most disappointing thing – that you obviously want to get picked while you’re in form.
“And it didn’t go my way then but I’m just thankful to the selectors for getting another opportunity again now.”
Bird is vying with SA swing bowler Chadd Sayers for a berth in the day-night third Test.
“Chadd has been the best performer in Shield cricket in the last couple of years, … he bowls an immaculate line and length and he’s got a great record here at Adelaide but that is up to the selectors,” Bird said.
The Bush
Roar Guru
I'm still unsure why this batting comment keeps coming up. Marsh made plenty of mistakes, but if he honestly thought two bowlers brought the same level of bowling, then separating them by batting is logical. The debate is really why they thought Mennie was a better bowler.
Basil
Guest
Surely he'll have more impact than Lyon? An all pace attack for Adelaide it is!
Simoc
Guest
Bird should have played in Hobart. There was no good reason to put Mennie in front of him and it demonstrated yet again how poor Rod Marsh was at the selection job. Unfortunately for Bird he didn't play and I would think Sayers will be preferred in his home town of Adelaide. Bird has always been good in Australia but didn't fire as expected, in England.
Mike Dugg
Guest
in 2 of 5 tests, Bird has taken 7 wickets and was crucial to his team winning the last test he played.
harambe
Guest
I loved what I saw from Bird in his first test and haven't been able to understand why hes only played so few.
greg munro
Guest
Have you ever seen a cricketer praise other test members at the risk of keeping himself out of the test itself. Jackson has done this time after time. He is an unashamed aussie who has the best interests of the game and team at heart. It would be great to see more of this selfless attitude at the higher end of the game.