Paceman Jackson Bird has been handed an early Christmas present after being named to make his debut for Australia in the second test against Sri Lanka starting in Melbourne on Wednesday.
Bird, the leading wicket-taker in the domestic Sheffield Shield, will take the new ball in front of a bumper crowd at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day as Australia seek to seal the three-match series 2-0.
“I got the call from Mickey yesterday to say that I’m in the final 11,” Bird told reporters at the MCG on Monday, referring to Australia coach Mickey Arthur.
“So yeah, it’s very exciting and I’m looking forward to it.
“In the last 18 months I’ve been pretty successful in first-class cricket.
