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Bird flies home for treatment

Paceman ruled out indefinitely after missing first three county matches for Hampshire

Jackson Bird’s hopes of attracting the attention of Australian selectors through good county cricket form have been dealt a blow, with the paceman ruled out indefinitely through injury.

The quick was in line to lead Hampshire’s attack this County Championship Division One season but after missing his team's first three matches with a “neural injury”, the 28-year-old has flown home to Australia for treatment.

Bird’s injury is believed to be caused by a disc affecting a nerve in his neck.

Coach Dale Benkenstein said the paceman may return later in the season.

"We don't know how long Jackson will be out yet, but if he does recover, he could play the last half of the season," Benkenstein told BBC Radio.

"He's got a bulging disc in his neck, so it wasn't just the shoulder, which hadn't been picked up before."

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White said it was a "frustrating situation" for all.

“He reckons he did it playing grade cricket back in Australia but didn’t realise he was injured until it was aggravated in a practice session with us," White told the Southern Daily Echo.

“It’s one of those injuries we’re not 100 per cent sure about, he feels fine in himself but has difficulty raising his arms so he’s having another consultation.

Image Id: ~/media/66499588351B431597850734779F0FFAJackson Bird playing for Melbourne Stars in the BBL // Getty Images

Bird pulled out of a stint with county team Northamptonshire last year due to a back injury.

West Indian fast bowler Fidel Edwards has been called in to replace Bird at Hampshire while he seeks treatment.

Earlier this month, Bird said he hoped strong performances for Hampshire could make him an ideal candidate for an Ashes call-up should injury befall Australia’s pacemen.

He signed with Hampshire for a three-month stint as he looked to work his way back into favour with the national team.

Bird has taken 13 wickets in three Tests for Australia, with his last appearance in the Baggy Green during the 2013 tour of England.