Michael Neser Faces Injury Setback Ahead of South Africa Tour
Injury Concerns for Australian Pacer
Melbourne, Australia - August 5: Australian fast bowler Michael Neser has sustained a right calf strain during training, yet he remains optimistic about being selected for the upcoming tour to South Africa in October.
The 36-year-old was not included in the Australian squad for the home Test series against Bangladesh, which begins next Thursday, as star bowlers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood return from extended injury absences. Neser, who has played five Tests, has claimed 22 wickets at an impressive average of 18.90. He was a standout performer in Australia's Ashes victory earlier this year, taking 15 wickets at an average of 19.93, including a remarkable five-wicket haul at his home ground in Brisbane and two additional four-wicket hauls in Melbourne and Sydney during the prestigious Boxing Day and New Year Tests.
Initially, Neser was in full training as a backup for the Bangladesh series, ready to step in if any of the 'Big Three' pace bowlers—Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, or Josh Hazlewood—faced injury issues. However, following a running session, he now requires a month of rehabilitation. After this period, he will have the opportunity to gradually increase his bowling workload in preparation for the South Africa tour, where he is expected to be part of a formidable pace attack for the back-to-back Tests in October, according to reports.
Previously, Neser had suffered a hamstring injury while playing for Australia A against India A, which dashed his Test aspirations leading up to the 2024 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Following his impressive performances in the Ashes, he was awarded a central contract and opted out of county cricket with Hampshire during the winter to stay fit for Australia's demanding schedule of 20-21 Tests over the next year. With an aging and injury-prone bowling lineup, selectors, medical staff, and coaches recognized the necessity for backup options, and Neser was among those considered.
Neser attributes his recent success at the Test level to a focus on higher-speed running and more intense bowling sessions, albeit with a reduced overall volume. Throughout the series, he consistently reached speeds of 140 kph, achieving sustained velocities that were unprecedented for him.
Aside from Neser's injury, the training camp has seen minimal issues. Wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis experienced back spasms during a two-day practice session but has dealt with this problem before and is expected to be fit for the first Test. Australia's quartet of fast bowlers, including Scott Boland, are in excellent condition, with a likely competition between Hazlewood and Boland for the final spot in the starting lineup. Nathan Lyon, the leading spinner, is also anticipated to play after recovering from hamstring surgery, having performed well during practice by bowling extended spells and taking three wickets.
In batting practice, Marnus Labuschagne, Jake Weatherald, and Cameron Green all had significant opportunities, each scoring half-centuries. Green and fellow pace-bowling all-rounder Beau Webster could potentially feature together in the same lineup, with Green likely moving up to the number five position following the retirement of Usman Khawaja earlier this year in January.
Selectors have also included promising Queensland batter Jack Clyton in the Cricket Australia XI, which will compete against Bangladesh in a match prior to the first Test on Thursday. This practice match is set to last three days, with New South Wales veteran Kurtis Patterson leading the CA XI, allowing all 13 players to bat and bowl in this non-first-class tour match against Bangladesh.