Bird added to Kent attack

An Australian pace bowler will join Kent for up to the first six matches of their County Championship season. Right-armer Jackson Bird is set to link up with the county following the end of Tasmania’s run in this season’s Sheffield Shield. He has County Championship experience with Hampshire and Nottinghamshire, while injury curtailed his chances of joining Lancashire last summer.

The 35-year-old has nine Test caps but will spend part of the summer at St Lawrence as Kent return to Division 1. He said: “I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to play County Championship cricket again.

“There is a talented bowling attack at Kent and I’m looking forward to the challenges that come with that, and helping my new team-mates get points on the board at the start of the season.”

Bird was the highest wickettaking seam bowler in the 2020/2021 Sheffield Shield, Australia’s premier domestic first-class competition, with 35 wickets at an average of 22.20. His performances earned him the Ricky Ponting medal from his team-mates for his efforts across both red and white-ball cricket last season.

Overall in first-class cricket, Bird has 419 wickets in 100 matches at 24.21, with an economy rate of 2.96.

Kent director of cricket

Paul Downton said: “We’re delighted that Jackson will be joining us for the early matches of this year’s County Championship.

“He’s an experienced bowler who will strengthen our squad as we begin our Championship campaign.”

Bird could be available for the County Championship matches against Essex, Lancashire, Hampshire, Yorkshire, Surrey and Northamptonshire before Kent’s T20 Blast defence starts. New Zealand’s Matt Henry will then return from July 10 for up to seven County Championship matches and the Royal London Cup.