Melbourne: In the weeks preceding the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT), Australia encountered a significant obstacle as its seasoned medium-pacer, Michael Neser, sustained an injury on Thursday during the second unofficial Test between India A and Australia A in Melbourne.
Neser, a well-known figure in Australian cricket, suffered a hamstring injury following an impactful spell with the new ball, which resulted in India A struggling on the opening day.
The 34-year-old player dismissed four of India A's top five batsmen, leaving them at 64/5. He eventually had to leave the field while bowling his 13th over of the innings.
This recent injury has rendered Neser unable to participate in the ongoing unofficial Test. It is also noteworthy that he had previously faced a hamstring issue during his match with Queensland in the Domestic One-Day Cup last month.
Abhimanyu Easwaran and Sai Sudharsan were dismissed off consecutive deliveries in the opening over. India A captain Ruturaj Gaikwad and the standout player Devdutt Padikkal were dismissed shortly thereafter, contributing to India A's dismissal for 161. Before retiring from the field, Neser achieved impressive figures of 4/27 in 12.2 overs.
Although Neser has only played two Test matches for Australia, his impact on the domestic circuit is highly regarded.
Australia has yet to announce its squad for the five-Test series, with the first Test scheduled to begin on November 22 in Perth. The Australian team is hopeful for Neser's quick recovery in preparation for this crucial ICC World Test Championship series against India.
In his 107 First-Class appearances, Neser has amassed 374 wickets at an average of 24.18, with a strike rate of 51.1.
The second unofficial Test will proceed on Friday, with Australia A striving for stability after being reduced to 53/2, trailing by 108 runs.
Australia A Playing Eleven: Marcus Harris, Sam Konstas, Cameron Bancroft, Nathan McSweeney (C), Beau Webster, Oliver Davies, Jimmy Peirson (WK), Michael Neser, Nathan McAndrew, Scott Boland, Corey Rocchiccioli.
India A Playing Squad: Abhimanyu Easwaran, Ruturaj Gaikwad (C), Sai Sudharsan, KL Rahul, Devdutt Padikkal, Dhruv Jurel (WK), Nitish Reddy, Tanush Kotian, Khaleel Ahmed, Prasidh Krishna, Mukesh Kumar.
