Quantcast

Bird looking to make a big impression

Hampshire believe paceman could have a major impact on this year's County Championship

Fast bowler Jackson Bird hopes strong performances for Hampshire in County Cricket this season could make him an ideal candidate for an Ashes call-up should injury befall Australia’s pacemen.

Bird will lead the Hampshire’s attack this season after signing with County team for a three-month stint as he looks to work his way back into favour with the national team.

"Fast bowlers are susceptible to injury. You never want to see anyone go down but if they do, hopefully I can put my hand up by putting in a few good performances for Hampshire,” Bird told Sky Sports.

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

"I've been injured on and off for the past 18 months but I finished off our season pretty well and the selectors know what I can do. I've had a bit of success in the few Tests I've played.

"I try and keep things pretty simple really. I just try and hit the same area over and over again and hopefully get a little extra bounce and a little bit of sideways movement. I'm not going to change too much what I do back home."

Quick single: Faulkner touted for county circuit role

Bird has taken 13 wickets in three Tests for Australia and the last time the 27-year-old donned the Baggy Green was during the 2013 tour of England.

He enjoyed a successful introduction to Test cricket, earning man-of-the-match honours in his second Test against Sri Lanka in 2012-13 while taking 11 wickets at just 16.18 in his debut series.

However following a series of untimely injuries, the steady right-armer has fallen back in the pecking order.

Image Id: ~/media/31300371DEFA490C8B327357FD6F4D24Jackson Bird celebrates a wicket during the 2013 Ashes // Getty Images

Hampshire director of cricket Giles White believes Bird could have a major impact on the County Championship this season.

Quick single: Wahab Riaz joins Pietersen at Surrey

After the departure of key bowler Matt Coles, Hampshire rely on Bird’s accuracy, swing and seam.

“Jackson arrived a few days ago. He comes with a very good reputation. We think he’ll bowl well in these conditions, early season,” White told Sky Sports.

“He’s shaped up well so far. We’re hoping he hits his straps early on and causes some problems. He’ll be part of an attack that we hope gets us those wickets that we need in Division One…the batting is strong.”

Hampshire have returned to the top flight of County Cricket this season as the reigning Division Two champions.