The first Ashes Test began at the Gabba in Brisbane on Thursday, and England chose to bat first after winning the toss. Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazelwood and Pat Cummins are leading the Australian fast bowling attack with Nathan Lyon, the lone spinner in the team.
Jackson Bird didn’t get select for the series-opener and now will join his domestic side Tasmania to play in the final three days of Sheffield Shield game against South Australia, which began on Thursday as well.
Glenn Maxwell who was called in as a backup for Shaun Marsh has also been sent back to Sydney where Victoria plays New South Wales in the fourth round match of the tournament. But Chadd Sayers will remain with the Australian team, as he is eyeing his Test debut in the Adelaide Test to begin from 2nd December. The second Test will also be the first day/night Ashes Test match.
Despite missing the first day, Bird can join the team and play in the match as per Shield’s playing condition which allows exceptions for players required for duty by the national team. Maxwell also flew to Sydney to join the team, as they play against New South Wales from Friday.
Australian selector Trevor Hohns has hinted Sayers might make his Test debut in the Adelaide Test,
“Chadd’s inclusion in the squad is with a view to the Adelaide Test and the conditions that we may see there, He swings the ball with good control and knows the conditions well at his home ground. He gives us this bowling option if required.”
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