Michael Neser Ruled Out of Australia A Game with Hamstring Injury

Australia's Test bowling depth has taken a significant hit as Michael Neser has been ruled out of the remainder of the Australia A match against India A at the MCG due to a hamstring injury. Neser, who had impressed with 4 for 27 on the opening day, was in the midst of his 13th over when he pulled up sharply after delivering the second ball of the over, signaling a hamstring issue. He immediately limped off the field, with a Cricket Australia spokesperson confirming that he had injured his left hamstring and would not bowl again in the game.

The injury comes after a period of concern for Neser, who had experienced soreness in the same hamstring following a Sheffield Shield game in late October. Despite this, he returned to training without issues and was cleared for the Australia A game. However, it is understood that the heavy outfield at the MCG, which has been top-dressed with sand following the AFL season, may have contributed to the injury. Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott have also complained about the strain of running on the MCG outfield during recent games.

Neser had previously been dealing with a calf injury from the winter but had been progressing well in the lead-up to the series. Although he was unlikely to make the initial Test squad for Perth, there were expectations that he might be needed later in the series, given the tight schedule. The injury is a blow to Australia’s options, with Scott Boland currently the sole backup seamer for the Test squad.

While there are concerns about the bowling depth, there is some positive news on other players' recoveries. Jhye Richardson recently bowled 25 overs for Western Australia in a Second XI game and may return to Shield cricket soon. Lance Morris, recovering from stress fractures and a quad strain, is also in line for a return to action, though he has yet to play any red-ball games this season.