Michael Neser Sidelined by Hamstring Injury After Impressive Spell for Australia A
Webster, reflecting on Neser's efforts, praised his teammate's skill with the new ball. "He’s amazing with what he does with the new ball. He hardly bowls a bad ball," he said, noting how Neser had given Australia A the upper hand on the first day.
Michael Neser's strong push for a Test recall has been hampered by a hamstring injury sustained during Australia A's clash with India A at the MCG on Thursday. The Queensland quick had been in superb form, taking 4-27 in his opening spell, and narrowly missing a hat-trick in the process. However, while bowling his 13th over, Neser pulled up with a groan and limped off the field, with his injury later confirmed to be a left hamstring strain.
This injury comes after Neser had recently recovered from a minor hamstring issue that kept him out of a One-Day Cup match last month. Despite this, he had been in solid form leading into this game and was expected to be a contender for a Test call-up. National selectors will now keep a close eye on the results of his medical scans to assess the injury further.
The MCG’s soft outfield, which has been noted for putting extra strain on players' lower bodies, could have contributed to Neser’s injury, although teammate Beau Webster played down the impact of the surface. The timing of Neser’s injury is unfortunate, as he was performing brilliantly, helping reduce India A to 4-11 early in the match with the new ball alongside Scott Boland.
Neser’s ability to extract bounce and swing remained sharp, underscoring his potential to break into the Australian squad. His bowling has impressed with his consistency, particularly his death-bowling skills, while Boland, despite early-season interruptions due to injury, also showcased his prowess with a crucial wicket of India A's KL Rahul.
Webster, reflecting on Neser's efforts, praised his teammate's skill with the new ball. "He’s amazing with what he does with the new ball. He hardly bowls a bad ball," he said, noting how Neser had given Australia A the upper hand on the first day.
While Neser’s injury is a setback, the Australia A camp remains optimistic about their bowling options. With Australia’s key fast bowlers—Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc—likely to be rotated during the summer, players like Neser and Boland could play a crucial role in supporting the primary pace attack, especially with the absence of allrounder Cameron Green due to back surgery.
Australia A’s success in the match has been built on strong bowling, with Neser and Boland reducing India A to a difficult position early on. Although India A's Dhruv Jurel (80) and Devdutt Padikkal (26) fought back with a resilient 53-run partnership, the pressure from the opening bowlers eventually led to a breakthrough, with Padikkal dismissed after attempting a cut shot too close to his body.
As Australia A eyes a series win, Neser’s fitness will be closely monitored. The second match in the series is set to conclude on November 10, with selectors likely to assess his availability for future international opportunities.
