Pakistan vs Australia 2022: Michael Neser, a pacer, ruled out of the Test series owing to injury
Michael Neser, a 31-year-old fast bowler, had a side strain injury and will miss the Pakistan tour next month
After suffering a side injury, Australian pace bowler Michael Neser will most likely miss the journey to Pakistan for the three-match Test series, which begins March 4 in Rawalpindi. There is no timetable for his return to action. According to a report published on Wednesday (February 16) by cricket.com.au, the fast bowler, who just played an Ashes Test, "has been all-but ruled out of Australia's tour of Pakistan."
With the first Test only a week away and the team due to depart for the subcontinent shortly, leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson will "play an extra round of Shield cricket" to better prepare for the gruelling three-Test series. Neser was injured while warming up to bowl during Queensland's Marsh One-Day Cup match against New South Wales at The Gabba in Brisbane earlier this week, according to the report. Following the setback, he attempted to bowl a few more deliveries but was forced to leave the field in pain.
Queensland coach Wade Seccombe said Neser had scans late Tuesday, "and the state will now work with Cricket Australia's (CA) medical staff to map out a plan for the 31-year-old".
"It's bad luck for Michael and we're hoping he makes a speedy recovery," On Wednesday, Seccombe stated (February 16). If Neser is ruled out of the Test squad, Mark Steketee, a Queenslander, might be a possible substitute, though CA will require extra time to make a decision.
Steketee, who is 28 years old, was selected for Australia's Test tour of South Africa, which was postponed till early 2021. According to the report, he is the Sheffield Shield's leading wicket-taker this season, with 29 wickets at an average of 16.31 from five games. Between the fifth and final T20I against Sri Lanka and the Test in Rawalpindi, Australia will have just over ten days to make a decision on Neser.
Australian interim coach Andrew McDonald expressed concern over Neser's injury, saying, "That's one of the great challenges without match practice but with the experience that we've got in (Josh) Hazlewood, (Mitchell) Starc and (Pat) Cummins, they're very well versed in shifting formats," McDonald said.
