Bird grounded with back injury

Australia Test squad member Jackson Bird has sustained a back injury, according to his County Cricket Club in England.

Northants Cricket released a statement on Monday night saying Bird, who was contracted for the first six Championship matches, has suffered a recurrence of back problems and has been advised to rest for four months.

"Obviously this is disappointing news with the start of the cricket season less than two weeks away," the club said.

"However the club has been aware of Jackson’s potential ongoing injury for some time, having already amended his original contract in order for his workload to be managed more carefully to allow him a pre-season in Australia.

"The club wishes to place on record its hope that Jackson makes a full recovery from his ongoing back injury."

Bird, who was named in Australia's initial squad for the recent South Africa tour where he did not play a first class match, joined his team-mates late after doubts were cast over his fitness.

He had earlier injured his back while fielding during a KFC Big Bash League appearance for the Melbourne Stars.

However, he was cleared to play after a nets session in front of selectors Rod Marsh and Darren Lehmann at Blundstone Arena in Tasmania in January.

Bird returned to Australia and claimed 6-50 and 0-42 for Tasmania against South Australia in the final round of the Bupa Sheffield Shield earlier this month.

While he has not played a Test since the 2013 Ashes series in England when he succumbed to a back injury, Bird is regarded as an important part of Australia’s fast-bowling plans should one of the incumbent quicks – Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson and Peter Siddle and James Pattinson – be sidelined.

He was not given a Cricket Australia contract on Monday (view full list here).

View: Jackson Bird player profile

December 2013

Jackson Bird makes a ruthless return from injury, destroying the Renegades' middle order in Game 1 of BBL|03.