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Bird set to continue remarkable return

Aussie paceman makes a rapid return from injury, but it results in a penalty for Hampshire

Australian paceman Jackson Bird has made a successful return to cricket in England, just six weeks after fearing he may be forced to spend 12 months on the sidelines due to injury.

Bird was set to return home last month after scans on a strained bicep led to the discovery of a bulging disk in his neck that he was told “would probably need surgery.”

Instead, the 28-year-old stayed in England and his recovery has progressed to such an extent that he featured in two Second XI matches on Tuesday and claimed his first wicket for Hampshire.

“The prognosis wasn’t that good when I first saw the doctor and obviously that was tough and being told I might be out of the game for 12 months,” Bird told Hampshire’s website.

“But I stayed here for a few weeks after that to see how it (responded) and if I could build my strength up and it started to get a lot better which was relieving.

“So from that we decided that I would keep trying to build from that and it’s worked out really well and now I’m back bowling again almost at 100% so I’m hoping to try and be available for selection in the next couple of weeks or so.”

Bird claimed 1-21 from four overs and 1-37 from three overs in the T20 double-header against MCC Young Cricketers, but his return came at a cost with Hampshire penalised by ECB’s Cricket Discipline Commission on Friday.

The county side was stripped of two match points for playing two Unqualified Cricketers, Yasir Arafat and Bird, while the rules only allow for one Unqualified Cricketer in a match.

“Jackson Bird was not originally chosen to play in this match and the coaches only recognised their error once play was underway and apologise to all concerned for their mistake,” Hampshire said in a statement.

Earlier in April, 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.