Jackson Bird seeks County Championship deal after omission from Australia list
Jackson Bird hopes to revive his Ashes chances by securing a contract to play county cricket this summer.
Last Updated: 03/04/13 10:13am
The fast bowler failed to make Australia's list of 20 centrally-contracted players after suffering a back injury in India, although chief selector John Inverarity said he was "very close" to earning a deal.
Now Bird, who is scheduled to tour England with Australia A ahead of the Ashes, wants to keep himself in the shop window by signing for a County Championship side.
The 26-year-old's manager Tony Connelly is already talking to several counties and said: "The plan is to get him back bowling in the next month or so and try to get over to England and get in the Ashes that way.
"If he plays Tests he will get upgraded to a contract."
Bird said: "I would still love to play a part in the Ashes - nothing has changed from that point of view.
"I'm just going to focus on my rehab and focus on getting back on the park."
