Nottinghamshire sign Australia bowler Jackson Bird to replace injured Peter Siddle

Nottinghamshire have signed Jackson Bird after Peter Siddle was ruled out through injury.

Australia pace bowler Bird has played five Tests, taking 21 wickets at 25.28, and recorded second innings figures of 5-59 in their recent victory over New Zealand in the second Test in Christchurch.

The 29-year-old replaces his fellow countryman Siddle, who has a stress fracture of the back.

Bird will be available for the first 10 matches of the County Championship season - which is now sponsored by opticians Specsavers - but he is not expected to feature in limited-overs cricket for the Outlaws.

"Having a bowler of international quality to spearhead our young seam attack is important for us, so we knew what type of player we wanted to go for," Nottinghamshire director of cricket Mick Newell told their official website.

"After Peter got injured, Jackson is the man Australia turned to. He performed very well in that Test match, he's a similar bowler to Peter in many ways and he was the obvious choice for us in the circumstances.

"Jackson is also very suitable for English conditions, particularly the types of pitches we play on at Trent Bridge.

"Pairing him with Stuart Broad early in the season, with real competition for the other two places, is an exciting combination for us."

Bird toured England as part of Australia's 2013 Ashes squad and played six matches for Hampshire in 2015.  

"Notts are a really good club and I have heard a lot about them from fellow Australians who have been there before, such as Ed Cowan and Peter Siddle," said Bird.

"Trent Bridge is a famous English venue and I heard plenty about it when I was living with Andre Adams last year.

"My general style is to trouble the batsmen and get them playing at balls they shouldn't.

"The surfaces in England and at Trent Bridge should suit the way I bowl, so I can't wait to get started."