Nathan Coulter-Nile doesn’t expect to be bowling or even mixing drinks for Australia during the Ashes opener, saying Jackson Bird is above him on the national pace pecking order.
Coulter-Nile’s career was almost ruined by shoulder and hamstring injuries in recent years but he’s now found form and fitness.
Coulter-Nile impressed during Australia’s recent limited-overs tour of India, claiming his first international wicket in almost 450 days.
The right-armer then dominated Tasmania with bat and ball during Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield opener, snaring four wickets and scoring a total of almost 100 runs.
Coulter-Nile, who would have made his Test debut in 2015 if not for a dislocated shoulder, will have a golden chance to impress national skipper Steve Smith when NSW face WA in the Shield match that starts in Sydney on Saturday.
But the 30-year-old isn’t expecting a call-up from national selectors ahead of the five-Test series against England that starts on November 23.
“Absolutely not, unless something drastic happens to the three big quicks,” Coulter-Nile told reporters in Perth.
“Also Birdy (Jackson Bird). We saw Birdy bowl out here (during the Shield opener) and he was unbelievable.
“I hadn’t seen him bowl in a while, he was difficult to face all game.
“Those four have probably got the first crack at it but five Tests in a row is hard work so hopefully I can be there or there abouts when the time comes.”
Coulter-Nile levelled immense praise on Test quicks Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.
“If these guys can play a good body of cricket together I think they will go down as one of the best of all time,” he said.
Coulter-Nile admitted his history of injury trouble is always at the back of his mind but added he’s felt fit as a fiddle since returning from India.
“I don’t think I’ve got through five one-dayers in a row on an Australian tour like that since – well, ever,” he said.
“My body’s in a great place, so it should be after two years of rehab.”
qwetzen
Guest
Speaking of injury #1.... CA have appointed a replacement team doctor for Peter Bruckner. The unfortunately named Richard Saw. Speaking of injury #2.... Someone in here told me a while ago that Killer Kountouris wasn't on the CA payroll anymore. This is a black lie. It also highlights the ineptitude of CAs' performance review process. With his record you'd think that not only would he have been fired years ago, but that he'd also have a restraining order preventing him from getting anywhere near a FC player.
warrrne
Roar Rookie
Wouldn't be the first time that Bird has toured an away winter series, not bowled and then dropped down the pecking order on return despite no cricket going on in Aus.
Paul
Roar Guru
I hope at some stage he does get another run in the Tests. He's is clearly a class act.
jameswm
Roar Guru
Agreed.
Mike Dugg
Guest
I'd still be worried about his injury history
Don Freo
Guest
Classy comnents.