Neser’s injury in MCG tour match puts his availability for India Test series in doubt

Australia’s pace bowling options have been dealt a blow ahead of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy, as Michael Neser has suffered a hamstring injury during a tour match against India A. 

Neser, who had been making a strong case for inclusion in Australia’s squad for the Test series, was in brilliant form when he took four wickets against the visiting team at the MCG. The 35-year-old quick bowler dismissed key India A batters, including Abhimanyu Easwaran, Sai Sudharsan, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Devdutt Padikkal, helping Australia A bowl out India A for just 161 runs.

However, while bowling his 13th over, Neser pulled up with a hamstring injury and limped off the field. This injury is particularly concerning as it is the same hamstring he had previously strained while playing for Queensland in the Domestic One-Day Cup last month. Following the injury, Neser has been ruled out of the remainder of the ongoing tour match.

With over 100 first-class appearances and 374 wickets at an impressive average of 24.18, Neser has long been a key figure in Australian cricket. Although he has only played two Tests for the senior team, his performances in domestic cricket make him an important option for Australia’s pace attack.

As the five-match Test series against India approaches, Australia will be hoping for a quick recovery for Neser. The series, which begins later this month, is crucial in the context of the ICC World Test Championship, and Australia will be eager to field their strongest possible team.