New South Wales speedster Jackson Bird picked up seven wickets against South Australia in a stunning blitz at Adelaide Oval in Sheffield Shield. Bird's seven-wicket haul helped New South Wales to bundle out the hosts for 110 runs. After playing 10 matches in the Sheffield Shield, Bird achieved an extraordinary milestone, picking 62 wickets. His performance set him apart, with an impressive average of 17.30 and a strike rate of 36.1. This achievement wasn’t just remarkable—it marked the best strike rate recorded in the competition's 120-year history up to that point.
The former Test speedster finished with 7-46 from 15 overs. Bird struck early by dismissing South Australian opener Conor McInerney for a third-ball duck, caught at short leg. He then ripped through South Australia’s middle order, removing wicketkeeper Harry Neilsen and Ben Manenti with consecutive deliveries to claim his five-wicket haul. Bird finished strong, taking out tailenders Nathan McAndrew and Brendan Doggett within four balls.
Blues skipper Jack Edwards wrapped up the innings, claiming two tail-end wickets with figures of 2-25 from 11.3 overs, setting up the visiting team for their first Sheffield Shield win of the season.
Bird's personal best in first-class cricket remains his remarkable 7-18 performance for Tasmania against NSW at Bellerive Oval in 2021.
Jackson Bird's Test career
Bird made his Test debut in December 2012 against Sri Lanka he featured in nine Test matches for Australia where he got 34 scalps with a best bowling figure of 5/59. The former Test quick, who turns 38 next month played his last Test match in December 26 against England in Melbourne.
While writing this copy, New South Wales (NSW) lost their one wicket. Nic Maddinson and Kurtis Patterson are currently playing. NSW are 48/1.
New South Wales vs South Australia Playing XIs
South Australia: Conor McInerney, Henry Hunt, Daniel Drew, Jake Lehmann, Thomas Kelly, Harry Nielsen, Ben Manenti (c), Nathan McAndrew, Brendan Doggett, Harry Conway, Lloyd Pope
New South Wales: Sam Konstas, Nic Maddinson, Kurtis Patterson, Oliver Davies, Lachlan Shaw, Matthew Gilkes, Jack Edwards (c), Chris Green, Tanveer Sangha, Ryan Hadley, Jackson Bird.
