Jackson Bird says he'd be shocked if he ever played for Australia again after selectors showed their hand by overlooking the Tasmanian quick for the current tour of the United Arab Emirates.
While frontline paceman Mitchell Starc managed hamstring tightness in the Abu Dhabi Test, Bird sent a timely reminder of his talent with 5-35 - and 1-16 in the ongoing second innings - at the Gabba.
The defending Sheffield Shield champions are 2-29 at stumps in pursuit of an unlikely 340, having been bowled out in their first innings for just 148 earlier in the day.
But the 31-year-old, who has played nine Tests and taken 34 wickets, believes even a host of injuries ahead of Australia's home summer wouldn't mean he dusts off the baggy green.
"I think the way the selectors have gone in this last tour I think I'll be lucky to play for Australia again," he said.
"They showed their hand ... three guys got picked ahead of me on a tour. Six months ago I was on the tours and now I'm not.
"That's the way it goes. If I bowl well and get selected so be it, but I'd be very surprised if I did."
Bird has slipped down the pecking order thanks to Peter Siddle's resurgence, while Queensland pair Brendan Doggett and Michael Neser were both new additions to the Test squad.
Their absence has been felt at the Gabba this week, with the Tigers dominating the side that beat them in last year's Shield final.
Bird has relished the overcast conditions and lively wicket and says his focus is now solely on winning trophies for Tasmania.
"I'm just loving playing cricket for Tasmania; I don't think I need to prove anything to anyone," he said.
"I haven't really changed what I've been doing, just enjoying my cricket and there's a bit less stress not having to worry about selections and that sort of stuff."
The Bulls did well to stay in the contest on Thursday, rolling Tasmania for 132 either side of lunch thanks to an outstanding catch from Nathan McSweeney, a direct hit run out from Sam Heazlett and a controlled spell of leg spin bowling from Mitchell Swepson (3-17).
But their pursuit of 340 started poorly, with Bird returning to castle Sam Truloff in the first over.
Joe Burns (16) then followed, leaving Charlie Hemphrey and Heazlett with a mountain to climb.
Australian Associated Press
