Cricket fans are debating whether Australia should have blooded some youngsters or named a full-strength team in the two-Test series against Bangladesh next month after Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Nathan Lyon were all confirmed to return from injury. But Ashes hero Michael Neser has missed out on the 13-payer squad announced on Tuesday.
Cricket Australia have announced their squad for two Tests against Bangladesh in Darwin and Cairns on August 13 and 22. But Neser has been left out despite being one of the heroes of Australia’s Ashes triumph last summer.
Michael Neser (far left) was one of the heroes of Australia’s Ashes triumph. Image: Getty
Neser took 15 wickets in three matches against England in the Ashes as Australia won the series 4-1. The Queenslander stepped up brilliantly in the absence of Hazlewood (who missed the entire series) and Cummins (who only played one game).
Neser was Australia’s third-highest wicket-taker in the series – behind only Mitchell Starc (31 wickets in five matches) and Scott Boland (20 wickets in five matches). But with Cummins, Hazlewood and Lyon set to be fit for the Bangladesh series, there’s no room for Neser in the squad.
It also appears likely that Boland will make way from the playing XI if Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc and Lyon form the bowling attack. Beau Webster has held his spot in tandem with fellow all-rounder Cameron Green after Usman Khawaja’s retirement freed up a spot, while opener Jake Weatherald has also been retained.
Michael Neser will reportedly be squeezed out of Australia’s squad for the Bangladesh Tests.
The 38-year-old Lyon is expecting to play after tearing his hamstring in the second Ashes Test. “They have worked extremely hard, individually and with the (fitness) teams, over the past few months to return from their respective injuries,” Australia’s chairman of selectors George Bailey said of the returning bowlers.
“While this is a 13-player squad, we have players prepared and available should any adjustments be required in the lead up to these matches. The volume of cricket and schedule across the next 12 months are likely to present further opportunities across all formats for many players.”
Australia squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.
Cricket fans divided over Aussie Test squad
The news of Neser being left out has left cricket fans divided. While some feel he deserves a spot after his Ashes heroics, others pointed out there simply isn’t room for him.
Others questioned why the Aussies haven’t used the series to blood some youngsters ahead of a gruelling schedule. One person wrote on social media: “Don’t mind Michael Neser sitting out of this as long as he is fit for South Africa tour (in October).”
Another wrote: “Got to try something new before those old boys snap.” While a third added: “There needs to be a succession plan and to not allow them all to retire at the same time.”