Jackson Bird looks set to make the Ashes squad, after being rested from the third round of the Sheffield Shield, along with Australia’s first-choice pace attack of Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood. It’s an honour the reliable seamer greatly deserves.
Bird is underrated by many fans, who are quick to call for the likes of Chadd Sayers or Jason Behrendorff to act as the number one back-up paceman.
There is tremendous sympathy about for the likes of Sayers and former Test players Peter Nevill and Ed Cowan, who apparently have been treated harshly by the Australian selectors.
Bird does not seem to enjoy the same level of backing from supporters, despite returning fantastic figures across his stop-start Test career, which has stretched over five years.
In eight Tests, the tall right-armer has grabbed 34 wickets at an average of 27. This is all the more impressive when you consider Bird’s never had a decent run in the side to build momentum, with his matches spread across four stints in the team.
Nevill got 17 Tests on the trot from debut, yet barely an hour passes that I don’t read a comment bemoaning his “lack of opportunity” in the national line-up. Similarly, Cowan was given 18 consecutive matches, despite turning in ordinary performances, just like Nevill.
Ross Setford/SNPA via AP
The Tasmanian shapes as a perfect replacement should one of the top-choice trio get injured. The second Ashes Test will be played under lights at Adelaide and Bird has taken 31 wickets at 24 in day-night first-class matches, including six wickets against Pakistan in Brisbane last summer.
The following Tests will be played at the WACA, MCG and SCG, where Bird has brilliant first-class bowling averages of 23, 19 and 17 respectively.
The 195cm quick has made a terrific start to the Sheffield Shield season as well, currently equal-second on the wicket-taking table behind only Starc, with 12 wickets at 22.
Australia are spoiled for back-up quicks, with the likes of Sayers, Behrendorff and Chris Tremain all consistently elite performers in the Shield. But, for now, that trio deserves to be in line behind Bird, who has done all that could be expected of him during his brief Test career.
He was fiercely unlucky to be leapfrogged by Joe Mennie during the Tests against South Africa last summer, with the selectors citing the excuse that Mennie was the better batsman. Perhaps stung by that criticism, Bird has since averaged 27 with the bat in his seven first-class matches.
An all-rounder he isn’t, a quality bowler he is.
In the first two rounds of the Shield, he has operated with his trademark accuracy, conceding a miserly 2.8 runs per over. Unable to boast the eye-catching pace of Starc or Cummins, Bird – like Hazlewood – maintains a nagging line and length, until one delivery does just enough through the air or off the seam to undo the batsman.
Thanks to his height and upright action he earns disconcerting bounce, particularly on Australia’s hard pitches, where Bird has the wonderful Test record of 24 wickets at 24 from five matches.
If he does get an Ashes call-up, Jackson Bird has the ability and experience to make a big impact.
Larry Logical
Guest
Just fitness Don, he seems to have injuries too often.
Don Freo
Guest
Different selection panel, Dano. Get with the programme if you are going to knock it.
danno
Guest
It will come down to what bowler is the better tail ender. Remember the Mennie ruling.
Don Freo
Guest
What would you like Behrendorff to prove, Larry?
Don Freo
Guest
With good reason. He keeps getting better.
Don Freo
Guest
Taking wickets has never been a problem. Fitness isn't either because when he's not fit, they won't play him...they'll pick someone else.
Basil
Guest
You know what you meant. Always twisting something Don. Schoolyard tactics.
Larry Logical
Guest
Bowlers Starc, Hazlewood, Lyon and Cummins is a very good bowling line up. Bird next to step up is the best call IMHO, though for Adelaide I would drop Cummins and replace with Sayers. I think Behrendorf has a bit to prove yet and would not consider him at this stage. Jhye Richardson is one to look at in the future. For No 6 Maxwell at the moment is OK if he scores some runs, if not I would prefer a bloke that can do some damage with the ball and score a few Head, Turner or Agar.
Don Freo
Guest
Try quoting it.
Don Freo
Guest
Ah, George/Ben, Bas does see that as an insult. If he thought well of you, he would have seen it as a compliment.
Basil
Guest
Insults as a form of defence as usual Don. Nice.
beepee
Guest
That was pretty much the West Indies set-up through the '80's and it worked fine for them. But they did have some decent batsmen such as Greenidge, Haynes, Lloyd, Gomes, etc, and a keeper who was handy with the bat in Dujon. Not sure Australia has the strength in batting to pull it off just now...but its an exciting way to approach a test match!
Larry Logical
Guest
I'm a huge believer in form, if a bloke is out of form, put him in the Shield for a while but but please don't exile them for years like Damien Martyn. If Renshaw does not regain form during the next Shield match replace him with in form Bancroft as opener. Wade is done and should be replaced by in form Carey unless Renshaw does hit form then Bancroft should be keeper. Remember Healy was Queensland's second string keeper until Anderson stood up to Botham and injured his thumb. Healy was prolific for Australia. Australia until recently have always had keepers that can really bat well, which was a massive advantage, Rod Marsh Kevin Wright Tim Zoehrer Ian Healy Adam Gilchrist Ryan Campbell (couldn't get a gig) Brad Haddin Tim Paine (untimely injury) Whiteman (as above) Bancroft would fit in the above list very well and HE KEEPS WELL. The Last Shield match on a lively wicket he carried his bat 1st innings against Test bowlers Starc, Hazlewood, Cummins and Lyon. 2nd innings 80+ against the same when the majority of his team failed = character + ability. Throw in the fact he kept for the entire game and the only time he was off the field was for 1.5 hours or so when the rest of his mates collapsed in a heap after he got out. Of note Cartwright got found out against test bowlers and aside from the standout Bancroft only S Marsh (90 odd) and A Turner (50 odd) were the only other batsmen with scores above 10. Australia need to stop mucking around when there is a good one get 'em in.
Ronan O'Connell
Expert
Hazlewood and Lyon are two of the worst tail enders in world cricket, they've both averaged about 7 or 8 with the bat in Tests over the past two years ..... having Hazlewood bat at number 9 would be crazy.
Mick_Lions
Roar Pro
It is just a fantasy. The selctors have a template of 5 bats an allrounder, batting keeper, spinner and 3 quicks set in stone and hung over the boardroom table. Mr Cricket is the best no6 i have seen and i think he bowled about 12 overs during his career. But imagine the damage done to the confidence of the poms just having to contemplate that line up!
Bob Sims
Guest
Yes. Bird has never let Australia down and doesn't look likely to. He would be an excellent choice as Australia's back-up paceman. Why look for a newbie when the obvious answer has been there all the time? Such things are what happens when one is "unfashionable"
Flat Track XI
Guest
Unfortunately because Aus will want to nullify Anderson and Broad, Aus XI only has room for fast/bouncy type bowlers. That means no Sayers, Bird, Mennie. Being skillful isn't important when the pitches are ODI-like white, and bowling bouncers and armpit balls to England batsmen who will fend the deliveries are what counts. It's a pity, because Ryan Harris bowled fast and also with skill last time around. I'm guessing even with the day/night test won't be a green top this time around, as green tops will help england both with bat and ball.
Basil
Guest
Yep was you. I do talk cricket. You're silliness is out of place here.
John Erichsen
Roar Guru
Except our selectors love Lyon.
Brian
Guest
Yeah Renshaw and Handscomb are low on experience and our keeper whoever it is is unproven to put it nicely. So that lower order is way too weak, like England's old 4 out all out.