Jackson Bird’s four-over cricket comeback last Friday night had a Test match feel for Australian bowling coach Craig McDermott.

While Bird will play no part in this Ashes series, the paceman wants to be in contention for next year’s South African tour and McDermott agrees it is a feasible goal.

Australia’s Ashes domination has given them the luxury to plan ahead without any pressure.

It is in stark contrast to England, who lurch from crisis to controversy, and means they can ease players such as Bird back into the national program.

Bird’s outstanding 4-31 for the Melbourne Stars in their BBL win over the Renegades was an important milestone.

Apart from some local club and warmup games, he had not played since injuring his back during the Ashes tour earlier this year.

“Jackson bowled very well … good lines, good lengths,” McDermott said.

“It just goes to prove you don’t have to have a truckload of change-ups to play well in Twenty20 cricket.

“He bowled Test-match lengths and lines the other night and he came out on top.”

In further good news for Bird, McDermott made it clear that the selectors are paying the paceman close attention.

“I’m sure there’s half a dozen blokes who are keen to go to South Africa,” McDermott said.

“It’ll depend on what happens over the next couple of weeks … on injuries and whatever else comes out of this Test match and the next Test match.

“I’m sure that his name is high on the priority list. We’ll just see how it all pans out.”

Australia and England will continue their preparations for the Boxing Day Test with Christmas Eve training sessions at the MCG.

Graeme Swann’s unexpected retirement has prompted the English squad to bring in two fellow spin bowlers.

Leg-spinner Scott Borthwick will join the team in Melbourne and off-spinner James Tredwell will go to Sydney.