Jackson Bird suffers injury ahead of the Ashes

Australian pacer Jackson Bird is the latest name to join the casualty list of the Australian fast bowlers. The fast bowler’s bid to play in the Ashes next month witnessed a massive road block as he has been ruled out of the JLT One-Day Cup with an injury. Bird suffered a left hamstring injury after bending his back for 20 overs in Tasmania’s first two games of the 50-over tournament in Perth.

Cricket Tasmania has said that a replacement will be named soon. Tasmania have lost the first two games of the JLT Cup. Bird took three wickets from the two matches with figures of 2/62 and 1/49 against Victoria. This will be a major setback for the side, as they eagerly wait for the arrival of Matthew Wade and James Faulkner. The duo was part of the Australia’s ODI side for the series against India. Tasmania are without their regular keeper Tim Paine, who has replaced Wade in the Australian T20I squad.

Bird to return to Hobart

“Jackson was able to play in Tasmania’s first match against New South Wales, but he reported an increase in tightness following yesterday’s match against Victoria,” Tasmania physiotherapist Stewart Williamson said. “He’ll now return to Hobart to undergo rehabilitation and is expected to be available for the opening round of the JLT Sheffield Shield commencing on October 26.”

“It’s great being around the Australian team and I love every minute of being around the Australian team, but it’s frustrating being 12th man,” Bird told cricket.com.au last month. “I think I’ve done about 20 Test matches as 12th man now. In that respect, it’s frustrating not being able to play.” he added.

“(But) there’s not much you can do about that sort of stuff. I understand the selections and that’s how it works. I could be in a worse situation.” he said.