Cricket: Bird lands debut, Clarke still uncertain

MELBOURNE: Australian quick Jackson Bird will make his debut in the Boxing Day Test against Sri Lanka while skipper Michael Clarke was given more time to prove his fitness.

Right-armer Bird will line up alongside Peter Siddle with Mitchell Starc controversially rested as part of Cricket Australia's rotation policy. Mitchell Johnson replaces the injured Ben Hilfenhaus and spinner Nathan Lyon retains his place as Australia look to make it 2-0 in the three Test series after winning the opener in Hobart last week by 137 runs. Australian coach Mickey Arthur said the decision to play the skipper will be taken as late as possible.  "He's clearly improving,” said Arthur.

"If I was a betting man I'd bet on Michael Clarke leading the team out on Boxing Day." If he fails to recover, his place will go to Usman Khawaja, with Shane Watson assuming the captaincy for their match tomorrow.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 25^th, 2012.