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After a tough last two months for Hampshire’s Jackson Bird, the Australian fast-bowler’s speedy recovery from his shoulder injury is almost complete.
It was a mere six weeks ago that the 28-year-old looked bound for a flight back to his native country to undergo further tests and perhaps even surgery on a troublesome upper-body injury. However, now with just a handful of games missed, Bird is not only nearing completion on his road to recovery – but he’s raced along, to now potentially make his comeback in the coming weeks.
Bird, having been frustrated being unable to represent the county through the early season fixtures, noted his initial issues but his excitement at now being close to full match fitness.
‘It was hugely disappointing for me, not being able to contribute and to not be on the field was difficult. I had a slight strain in my bicep and then further scans showed a bulging disk in my neck that would probably need surgery.’
‘The prognosis wasn’t that good when I first saw the doctor and obviously that was tough and being told I might be out of the game for 12 months. But I stayed here for a few weeks after that to see how it and if I could build my strength up and it started to get a lot better which was relieving.’
‘So from that we decided that I would keep trying to build from that and it’s worked out really well and now I’m back bowling again almost at 100% so I’m hoping to try and be available for selection in the next couple of weeks or so.’
The seamer has featured in several second team fixtures within the last week, and having performed impressively to pick up his first wickets for the club in these appearances so far, he is hoping his return can have a positive impact on the squad.
It feels really good to be back bowling and I’m looking forward to my role in hopefully helping Hampshire win games of cricket. With some important games coming up, being able to contribute and take wickets is something that I want to be able to do.
Jackson Bird
‘The guys have been looking really good, unfortunately we haven’t been able to get that first win yet but I think as a team, we have some top performers and it’s only a matter of time before that comes together.’
Having yet to make his full first-team debut, the paceman believes the Hampshire backroom staff have also been critical in aiding his speedy recovery.
Being expected to be out for the season and faced with a substantial spell on the side-lines, the club’s efforts are something that the Australian international believes has been fundamental.
‘The patience shown by the guys here and the support that Hampshire has given me has been great.’
‘They’ve been huge in helping me to focus on building back to full fitness and my bowling which now will hopefully mean getting back on the field and in good form, a lot earlier than we thought I’d be able to. I’m really looking forward to being out there.’
So with the return of the experienced bowler set to bolster the bowling ranks, the Hampshire squad is sure to be boosted by his return.
