Ashes 2013: Jackson Bird in Australia squad for fourth Test

Jackson Bird

Australia have selected seamer Jackson Bird ahead of spinner Ashton Agar in their 12-man squad for the fourth Ashes Test at Durham.

Bird would make his first appearance in the series if he makes the final cut for the match which starts on Friday.

The 26-year-old has played two Tests - both against Sri Lanka - and taken 11 wickets at an average of 16.18.

Left-arm spinner Agar, who hit 98 on his Test debut at Trent Bridge, is the player to make way.

The Australian selectors may choose to rest injury-prone seamer Ryan Harris, who has played three consecutive Tests just once in his career.

With just three days between Tests, the selectors could give Harris, who has suffered ankle, shoulder and knee problems in his short Test career, a break and bring him back for the fifth and final Test at The Oval.

Harris, 33, bowled 38 overs in the drawn third Test at Old Trafford despite suffering from a stomach complaint.

Australia's batting line-up remains unchanged with Phillip Hughes and Ed Cowan missing out.

Australia squad for fourth Test: Michael Clarke (captain), Brad Haddin (wk), Jackson Bird, Ryan Harris, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Chris Rogers, Peter Siddle, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner, Shane Watson.