South Africa vs Australia 2014: Jackson Bird cleared for South Africa tour

Jackson Bird

Australia pacer Jackson Bird, who injured his back during the Big Bash League, has been declared fit for the South Africa tour which begins on February 12 at Centurion. He’ll join the Australia squad for the warm-up match starting on February 5 at Potchefstroom.

Shaun Marsh and Jackson Bird were the two players due to leave South Africa. They were held back because of fitness problems and now Bird has been given the clearance for the South Africa series.

He injured his back while fielding for the Melbourne Stars and did not take part in rest of the Big Bash League because to recover fully for the huge tour of South Africa. He also didn’t take part in Future League games to receive treatment and be fit for the series in South Africa.

Jackson Bird, however, is unlikely to feature in the first Test at Centurion as the Aussie have three frontline seamers who can exploit the condition perfectly. He may be considered for the warm-up match and unless a pacer from Ashes-winning combination – Mitchell Johnson, Ryan Harris and Peter Siddle gets injured, Bird may not get a chance to play in South Africa.

Although Bird’s problem has been solved, the question remains on Shaun Marsh whether he’ll be fit for South Africa tour. If Shaun Marsh is ruled unfit, Philip Hughes is likely to take his place.

Test squad for South Africa: Michael Clarke (c), Brad Haddin (vc), Jackson Bird, Alex Doolan, Moises Henriques, Ryan Harris, Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh*, Nathan Lyon, James Pattinson, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, David Warner, Shane Watson