The Tasmanian Tigers bowling unit received a massive boost with the return of Jackson Bird from NSW

Tasmania’s most prolific wicket-taker has come home to roost. Jackson Bird speaks out on why he is back in the Tigers’ den after a stint with NSW.

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 20: Jackson Bird of the Blues appeals during the Sheffield Shield match between New South Wales and Victoria at Sydney Cricket Ground, on February 20, 2025, in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

Tasmania’s bowling stocks have received a huge boost with the Tigers’ most prolific wicket-taker returning to the state to join Riley Meredith as early signings for the state’s Sheffield Shield campaign next season.

Jackson Bird, 38, Tasmania’s highest Shield wicket-taker and the fifth-most successful bowler in Sheffield Shield history, thought he would never play for Tasmania again after leaving two seasons ago to play for his home state NSW.

In Blues colours, Bird soared taking 58 wickets in his 15 matches over the past two seasons, including a seven-wicket haul against South Australia in Adelaide in November.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 14: Jackson Bird of the Blues leaves the ground with bowling figures of 7 for 46 during the Sheffield Shield match between South Australia and New South Wales at Karen Rolton Oval, on November 14, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

It was a pinch-me moment for the big strike bowler to be back where his career hit its heights.

“It’s pretty bizarre sitting here after the past two years _ two years ago I probably didn’t think I would get the opportunity to play for Tassie again,” Bird said.

“My family didn’t settle as well as we would have liked in Sydney lifestyle and my partner, born and bred in Hobart, living in Sydney was a massive adjustment.

“We decided it would probably be better for us to move back down here.

“I am really grateful to be able to come back and finish my career with Tassie after spending so many years here.”

But it might have gone differently.

“I toyed with the idea of going back and forth playing another year with NSW, being a fly-in fly-out,” Bird said.

“But with the kids and the ages that they are, it’s just a bit hard and there’s so much that you miss if I’m on the road for most of the year.

“So we moved back, and Tassie have come in and offered me another year, so I’m grateful to be able to finish my career in Tassie after spending so much time here in the past.

“As soon as I got the offer it was a no-brainer.”

As Tasmania’s most prolific wicket-taker, 350 wickets across his 13 seasons in Tigers colours, his experience will be vital in the 2025-26 season as the iconic sight of Bird running down the hill from the Members end will be seen once again.

Cricket Tasmania High Performance manager, Salliann Beams, was delighted to have Bird fly “home”

“I’m so pleased we’ve been able to find a role for Jackson that has been mutually beneficial,” she said.

“His talent and bowling expertise around our group once again should excite all of Tasmanian cricket.

“Our bowling stocks were tested last season through injury, and the experience of Jackson will give us another reliable option in a bowling line up, while being able to provide his mentorship to a bowling group that has an exciting future.”