Like many, fast bowler Jackson Bird was confused when he learned his batting initially cost him an Australian Test slot.
The 29-year-old quick is back in the national squad for the third Test against South Africa starting Thursday after being overlooked for the initial games in the series.
Ex-chairman of selectors Rod Marsh cited Bird's batting as the reason for being shunned.
"I was a little bit confused at first but I think there was just a breakdown in communication really," he told reporters on Tuesday.
"I suppose the only thing you can do is cop that sort of stuff on the chin."
Bird responded by posting his highest first-class score - 39 - in Tasmania's next Sheffield Shield match against South Australia.
"I guess I knew what I had to work on really so I thought I responded pretty well in the Shield game here in Adelaide," he said.
"It was nice to spend some time out in the middle, I haven't really done that in the last three years.
"I feel like I'm not a bad batsman but I have just been out of form for about 18 months now."
Bird admitted disappointment at being snubbed for the initial Tests, given he took five wickets in his last Test innings before the South African series.
"I feel like my bowling is good enough for Test cricket and I feel like I'm in pretty good form at the moment with the ball," he said.
"That was probably the most disappointing thing - that you obviously want to get picked while you're in form.
"And it didn't go my way then but I'm just thankful to the selectors for getting another opportunity again now."
Bird is vying with SA swing bowler Chadd Sayers for a berth in the day-night third Test.
"Chadd has been the best performer in Shield cricket in the last couple of years, ... he bowls an immaculate line and length and he's got a great record here at Adelaide but that is up to the selectors," Bird said.
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