Cricket Australia have recalled pace-bowling all-rounder Michael Neser to the ODI squad against South Africa for the ongoing series. Neser will replace an injured left-arm Spencer Johnson in the squad. He sustained a hamstring injury during the third T20I clash against South Africa where he remained wicketless.
“Ness is an experienced all-format cricketer who will provide us with an extra fast bowling option should that be required for the remainder of the tour,” selector Tony Dodemaide said before the second ODI of the five-ODI series against Temba Bavuma-led South Africa.
Long list of injured players
Meanwhile, skipper Pat Cummins is recovering from a wrist injury and Michael Starc is recovering from a groin injury. Among batters, Steve Smith and Glenn Maxwell have been recovering from wrist and ankle injuries respectively. The latest addition to the injury list is Cameron Green who got retired hurt after getting hit by a bouncer by Kagiso Rabada. Green got concussed and was replaced by Marnus Labuschagne.
Neser’s international career
He played his last ODI in June 2018 against England. It was the same series in which he made his ODI debut where he picked up a couple of wickets. Three years later, he made his Test debut in the Ashes 2021 series. He played another Test in home conditions against West Indies. He was not picked in Australia’s Ashes 2023 squad.
Rotation ahead of World Cup
In the second ODI, Aaron Hardie was handed his debut by stand-in skipper Mitchell Marsh. Currently, Sean Abbott is leading the pace attack as Josh Hazlewood was rested for the second ODI. Nathan Ellis replaced Hazlewood in the second ODI.
In the first ODI, Hazlewood took three wickets as South Africa were bowled out for 222 despite skipper Bavuma's unbeaten 114. In the run chase, Australia suffered a massive collapse as they were reduced to 113/7 in 17 overs. Concussion substitute Labuschagne and Ashton Agar remained unbeaten for 80 whereas Agar scored 48 not out in 112-run partnership to take Australia home with 58 balls to spare.
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