Bird gets nod over Sayers for day-night Test

Australia have opted for Jackson Bird over uncapped paceman Chadd Sayers for the third and final Test against South Africa in Adelaide.

Captain Steve Smith named his XI on Wednesday, with Bird’s experience in day-night matches earning him selection.

Bird, 29, has 11 wickets at 22.73 in two twilight Sheffield Shield matches heading into the Test under lights at Adelaide Oval, starting Thursday.

“[Bird] took five-for in the last Test match he played, he’s bowled well with the pink ball in the Shield games that he’s played, bowled well in the nets out the back and deserves an opportunity,” Smith told reporters.

“Unlucky for Chadd missing out on his home ground but we’ve gone with Jackson Bird.”

Despite Sayers being overlooked, the Australians will still field a new-look side as they seek to salvage some pride and avoid a series whitewash following last week’s embarrassing innings and 80-run defeat in Hobart.

Trailing the Proteas 2-0, Matthew Renshaw, Peter Handscomb and Nic Maddinson will make their debuts.

“We’ve obviously made a lot of changes, and some young guys have come into the squad,” Smith added.

“This series has been disappointing the way it’s gone for us.

“I’m actually really excited about the young guys coming into the group and what they bring.

“I’ve almost felt a little shift in the last couple of days in attitude and energy from what the new guys have brought in.”

Australia XI: David Warner, Matthew Renshaw, Usman Khawaja, Steve Smith (c), Peter Handscomb, Nic Maddinson, Matthew Wade, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Jackson Bird.