PAKvAUS: Michael Neser's participation in Test series uncertain

Australian fast bowler Michael Neser might miss the tour of Pakistan as the 31-year-old suffered a side strain on Monday night.

The Queensland pacer Neser was forced to leave the field during a one-day game against New South Wales (NSW) at the Gabba. He could manage just two balls when he took to the field following a long rain delay in the match won by NSW.

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Marnus Labuschagne finished the over by bowling some medium pace as the team's medical staff assessed Neser's fitness.

Neser, who made his Test debut against England in Adelaide in December, has only bowled five times in games in 2022 after spending most of January with the national team.

If Neser is ruled out of the Pakistan tour, his Queensland teammate, Mark Steketee may replace him as he is already among the two standby bowlers along with Sean Abbott 

Last week, Australia had announced an 18-man squad for the three-match Test series in Pakistan. The tour will commence with the first Test in Rawalpindi from March 4.

It must be noted that last week Australia announced a full-strength 18-man squad for the three-match Test series in Pakistan, starting from March 4 in Rawalpindi. 

Australia Test squad: Pat Cummins (c), Ashton Agar, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc, Mitchell Swepson, David Warner