Hampshire’s Jackson Bird has recorded his best figures since his comeback from a back injury.

The 28 year-old took 4-55 for Tasmania against Queensland in the Sheffield Shield – his best figures since last March.

But he was out for a pair, include a golden duck, as Tasmania lost by an innings and 55 runs in Hobart.

Bird has signed for Hampshire as one of the county’s two overseas players for at least the first three months of the season, but he is likely to play more if he does not get an Ashes call-up.

He had to pull out of a similar deal with Northants shortly before the start of last season, after being ordered to rest due to a long-term back problem, but his recent form is encouraging for Hampshire.