Oz coach backs Bird ‘to be on song’ if selected for India tour

Sydney: Australian fast bowler Jackson Bird is likely to play during the Test tour to India after Ben Hilfenhaus was injured midway during last month’s Hobart Test match against Sri Lanka.

Coach Mickey Arthur said he was optimistic Bird would not struggle in Indian conditions if given the opportunity by selectors. He said that what he does do well is hitting a really good length. He’s miserly with his runs and he’s got enough pace, so if chosen he’ll go fairly well, he added. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Arthur said that Jackson’s stocks have risen considerably, who after two matches already boasts a man-of-the-match award. The 26-year-old was elevated to the Test team after his unprecedented level of success early in his first-class career. In his first 14 matches, Bird claimed 80 wickets at an average of 17.54, with a strike-rate of a wicket every 36.11 deliveries, the report added. ANI