Sayers replaces injured Bird in Australia's touring party

Sydney, February 13: Australia will be without Jackson Bird for their upcoming tour to South Africa after the pace bowler was ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Bird played the last of his nine Tests during Australia's 4-0 thrashing of England in the Ashes, the 31-year-old returning figures of 0-108 in the only drawn match of the series at the MCG.

With Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood all in the touring party, Bird was not expected to feature much in the four-Test series anyway.

But he will play no part whatsoever after picking up an injury during Tasmania's Sheffield Shield match with Queensland on Saturday (Febraury 10) – Bird bowling 15.1 overs in the second innings before leaving the field.

South Australia quick Chadd Sayers will take his place in Steve Smith's squad, and will hope to earn his first cap during the six weeks away.

He is the second uncapped bowler in Australia's squad, with Jhye Richardson also given the chance to impress.

Source: OPTA