Bird stars as Redbacks close in

Tasmanian paceman Jackson Bird admits his return to form is well timed as national selectors scope out candidates for the Australian Test squad.

The right-arm quick on Sunday took 5-69 to spearhead the dismantling of South Australia's second innings in the Sheffield Shield in Hobart.

After a couple of years battling injury, the 28-year old said he's back to the level that saw him make his Test debut in December 2012.

"It's nice to come back and feel like I'm bowling as good as what I was when I first got picked for Australia," he told reporters.

With Mitchell Starc looking doubtful for the upcoming three-match Test series against the West Indies, there's always the chance of a call-up but Bird is keeping a level head.

"It's good timing to get some wickets," he said.

"But there are a lot of good bowlers around at the moment.

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"Until I get the phone call I won't be losing any sleep."

In Tasmania's last-round Shield win over NSW, Bird took 3-47 and 2-25 but said his latest performance lost some shine with Tassie looking down the barrel of defeat.

"It's a bit of a hollow feeling going well personally when the team is not going great."

The Tigers will resume at 3-42 on Monday, with SA boasting a commanding 459-run lead going into the final day.

All out for 185 in their second innings, SA still look likely victors thanks to their massive 7(dec)-600 first-innings total to which the Tigers' replied with a lacklustre 284.

Tassie captain George Bailey (six not out) posted a first-innings century before lunch on Sunday but couldn't find any support and the home side came up well short.

Declining to enforce the follow on, SA returned to the pitch to stretch their lead in a move that Redbacks bowler Daniel Worrall said was designed to bat Tassie out of the game.

"It's just a matter of taking the wickets now," he said.

Bailey will resume for Tasmania on Monday along with Jake Doran (22 not out).