JACKSON Bird has swooped into contention for the first Test, with a four-wicket haul in Australia’s final tour match against Worcestershire.

Bird was man-of-the-match in his last Test at the SCG and has the consistency and variation to thrive in English conditions.
Fast bowlers James Pattinson and Mitchell Starc are certainties to face England in the first Test at Trent Bridge starting next Wednesday, but Bird has well and truly thrown down the challenge to veteran Peter Siddle for the third spot in the attack.
The 26-year-old finished with brilliant figures of 4-38 from 20 overs with seven maidens.
In a devastating 19-ball period during the final session he claimed 4-4.
At stumps on day two of the four-day match, Worcestershire were 7-246 after 80 overs, and trail Australia’s first-innings total by 150 runs.
The Australians added 56 to their overnight score but declared an hour into the day two at 4-396.
Steve Smith pushed his case for inclusion in the first Test batting line-up, with a rapid-fire 68 not out.
Smith smashed two sixes and 10 boundaries in an innings which showcased how much his technique has improved since he struggled against England back in the summer of 2010-11.
The 24-year-old appears to be in a two-horse race with David Warner for the vacant No.6 position.
Smith’s advantage is he posted two centuries on the Australia A tour as well as his knock yesterday, whereas Warner won’t have played a match in a month due to suspension.
Phil Hughes was forced to play second fiddle to Smith, but his 19 not out was solid, and it seems he’s done enough to cement the No.5 position for Trent Bridge.
Ryan Harris (0-41) kept things tight, but was unable to penetrate.
His outstanding skill and proven ability to perform in big moments means he still can’t be dismissed from contention for the first Test.
Ashton Agar (2-79) should have had three when Brad Haddin missed a late stumping, but will still start behind first-choice spinner Nathan Lyon for the Tests.
James Faulkner (1-55) made the first breakthrough of the match but probably hasn’t done enough to convince Australia to play five bowlers at Trent Bridge.
Shane Watson had his first bowl of the tour, taking 0-13 from six overs, with four maidens. (CA)