Cricket NSW bids farewell to paceman Jackson Bird, who has signed with Tasmania, marking the end of his two-season stint with the NSW Blues.
After two years in Sydney, the paceman has taken the opportunity to return to Hobart to be with his young family.
Bird, who made his List A debut for NSW in September 2023 and his Sheffield Shield debut a month later, was a key addition to the Blues side following a challenging 2022/23 season.
Bird’s time with the Blues was marked by several milestones. With his second wicket in the Blues Shield clash against WA last December, Bird notched up his 500th first class wicket before becoming only the fifth man to take 400 Sheffield Shield wickets when he bowled NSW to a 76-run win over Victoria at the SCG in February.
His expertise and professionalism quickly made an impact, both on the field and within the team environment.
NSW Men’s Team head coach Greg Shipperd spoke highly of Bird’s contributions:
“What an impression Jackson Bird has left on the Blues environment,” Shipperd said.
“With 408 Shield wickets, Jackson is a great of Shield cricket with an exquisite sense for bowling and a role model to many. Skillful in all formats of the game, his control of the swinging ball and acute awareness of strategy have been his great allies.
“Jackson’s always professional in his approach and will be sorely missed but remembered fondly in our set up. After two years of excellent service for NSW, we bid him farewell and wish him all the best returning to Tasmania.”