Australia’s Test bowling depth has taken a hit with Michael Neser ruled out of the remainder of the Australia A match at the MCG due to a hamstring injury. Neser, who had been in superb form, claimed 4 for 27 on the opening day, helping dismantle India A’s top order. However, while bowling his 13th over, he pulled up sharply after delivering his second ball, limping off the field. A Cricket Australia spokesperson later confirmed he had injured his left hamstring and would undergo scans to determine the extent of the damage.
Neser had previously experienced soreness in the same hamstring after his last Sheffield Shield outing on October 23. Although he missed the subsequent domestic One-Day Cup match, he returned to training without issue. The heavy outfield at the MCG, top-dressed with sand following the AFL season, likely contributed to the injury. Fast bowlers like Mitchell Starc and Sean Abbott had also complained about the challenging outfield conditions in recent weeks.
Neser, recovering from a calf injury sustained in the winter, was expected to back up Australia’s Test squad. However, he is unlikely to feature in the first Test against India. With Scott Boland as the sole back-up quick, Australia could call on bowlers like Sean Abbott or Nathan McAndrew if they need another fast bowler during the series.
Meanwhile, there is positive news regarding Jhye Richardson, who bowled 25 overs in a WA Second XI match after a year-long injury layoff, and Lance Morris, who could return for ODIs after recovering from stress fractures and a quad strain.
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