Australia A fast bowler Michael Neser will not continue in the current four-day match against India A at the MCG, according to ESPNCricinfo. He has sustained a left hamstring injury and will undergo scans to assess the extent of the damage.
On the first day (Thursday) of the match, Neser was outstanding, putting constant pressure on India A. He dismissed Abhimanyu Easwaran (0) and Sai Sudharsan (0) with back-to-back short-pitched deliveries.
Following Scott Boland’s removal of KL Rahul (4), Neser maintained his strong performance by sending Ruturaj Gaikwad (4) back to the pavilion. This left India A in a precarious position at 11/4.
Dhruv Jurel and Devdutt Padikkal then formed a crucial partnership, helping India A recover. However, Neser ended their 43-run stand by dismissing Padikkal for 26.
In his 13th over, Neser pulled up while delivering a ball and was forced to limp off the field. The 34-year-old quickly left the pitch, and a Cricket Australia spokesperson later confirmed to ESPNCricinfo that he would not return to bowl for the remainder of the match.
https://x.com/sportskeeda/status/1854463421888246253?s=46
Meanwhile, India A managed to post a competitive total of 161, with Jurel playing a determined innings of 80 off 186 balls. Neser (4/27) was the standout bowler for the hosts, followed by Boland (3/19). At the close of Day 1, Australia A were 53/2, with Marcus Harris (26*) and Sam Konstas (1*) at the crease.
Michael Neser suffered a similar injury during the Sheffield Shield 2024/25 season
The experienced pacer reported left hamstring soreness during his most recent Sheffield Shield match for Queensland against South Australia on October 23. This injury led to Neser being ruled out of the One-Day Cup match against South Australia, which was played two days later.
Neser then returned to training with the Australia A team for this series without fully recovering. The outfield at the MCG has also been blamed for causing issues for fast bowlers due to excessive sand left over from the Australian Football League season.
Mitchell Starc also experienced cramps multiple times at the venue over the past two weeks, during his participation in both a Shield game and an ODI against Pakistan at the MCG.
This injury is a significant setback for Michael Neser, who was expected to serve as a backup pacer for Australia in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy. In his absence, Scott Boland may emerge as a contender should any injury concerns arise for the pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Starc.
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