Jackson Bird cleared for South Africa series

Associated Press
Australia's cricket captain Michael Clarke, left, signs a small cricket bat for unidentified fan during their arrival at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, Wednesday, Jan. 29, 2013, for their Test cricket tour against South Africa. (AP Photo/ Themba Hadebe)

SYDNEY (AP) — Fast bowler Jackson Bird has overcome a back injury and will fly to South Africa on Friday to join the Australia squad for a three-match test series against the world's No. 1-ranked test team.

Bird was held back when other test team members left for South Africa on Wednesday. But after back-to-back days of net bowling, he was given the approval by Australian coaching staff Thursday.

Shaun Marsh, who is battling a calf injury, has yet to prove his fitness for the tour.

The first test at Centurion begins Feb. 12. The second test will be played beginning Feb. 20 in Port Elizabeth and the third from March 1 in Cape Town, followed by three Twenty20 matches.

Australia opens its tour with a four-day match beginning next Wednesday at Potchefstroom.