Jackson Bird called-up for New Zealand Test Series

Jackson Bird, who last played for Australia in the 2013 Ashes Series has been picked for the Aussie Test side for the 2016 edition of the Chappel-Hadlee Test series. The first test between the Trans-Tasmanian rivals will be played at Wellington on Friday.

New Zealand has named a predictable line-up with Ross Taylor and Mitch Santner out injured. Henry Nicholls is set to make his test debut while off-spinner Mark Craig will replace Santner.

Jackson Bird will be replacing right arm quick James Pattinson. The selectors are currently unsure about the fitness of Pattinson. Given the temporary setback, Steve Smith will have Bird, Josh Hazelwood and Peter Siddle at his disposal. Jackson Bird made his debut against Sri Lanka in Melbourne in 2012. He impressed one and all as the Aussies picked up a massive win by an innings and 201 runs. However, the 29-year-old pacer has finally got his chance in the upcoming New Zealand tour. Whether he will make use of this opportunity remains to be seen.

The first Test at Wellington is expected to be a green top wicket. The test will also mark a personal milestone for New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum. The latter will be playing his 100th Test. With the forecast, I’d imagine it will dry out a bit quicker than we’ve seen, but the first couple of days will be challenging,” he said.

Australian skipper Steve Smith, however, said that he would have a look at the wicket before taking a call on the challenge that lies ahead. “The selectors aren’t 100 percent sure whether he (Pattinson) would get through this first Test match so that decision was made,” Smith said.

New Zealand: Martin Guptill, Tom Latham, Kane Williamson, Henry Nicholls, Brendon McCullum (captain), Corey Anderson, BJ Watling, Doug Bracewell, Mark Craig, Tim Southee, Trent Boult.

Australia: Joe Burns, David Warner, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (captain), Adam Voges, Mitchell Marsh, Peter Nevill, Peter Siddle, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird.