Australia's fast-bowling stocks have taken a hit as pace-bowling all-rounder Michael Neser suffered a calf injury while training with the 13-member Test squad in Brisbane ahead of historic two-Test series against Bangladesh. Neser was not picked for Bangladesh series with Josh Hazlewood returning to action but he was in reserves if the need arises.
The calf injury has led to Neser missing several weeks of action. An Australian team spokesperson said that the calf strain will "prevent him from training or playing for several weeks".
However, Neser is hopeful of regaining full fitness for the tour of South Africa where his services will be needed considering the ageing pace quartet of skipper Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood and Scott Boland.
After the two-Test series against Bangladesh, Australia are scheduled to tour South Africa in late September. After the three-ODI series which concludes on September 30, the three-Test series will begin on October 9 at Kingsmead, Durban.
Doggett in contention, Neser’s impact in the Ashes 2025-26
If Neser doesn’t regain fitness and the pace quartet remains injury-free, Brendan Doggett is the other pacer who will remain in contention. Doggett made made his Test debut in the Ashes 2025-26 in Cummins and Hazlewood’s absence. He took seven wickets from two Tests. On the other hand, Neser was exceptional as he bagged 15 wickets from three Tests, averaging nearly 20. The 36-year-old had taken a fifer in the Gabba Test.
Good news for Australia, Inglis fit for
In the intra-squad game in Brisbane, wicketkeeper-batter Josh Inglis picked up a back spasm as well. There were concerns around whether he will be fit for Darwin Test starting on August 13 but head coach Andrew McDonald has brushed them aside.
"He's had a back flare up. He has had these from time to time. There'll be no issue, it'll just be letting it settle down and then getting him back into work,” Donald told cricket.com.au.
"We've got enough time. We'll probably be conservative on that, make sure that's right before you see him return into the nets and the preparation phase … there is no concern around whether he would be available or not."
However, if Inglis is to miss the Test series opener, Beau Webster may get a chance.
Australia’s squad for Bangladesh Tests -
Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Jake Weatherald, Beau Webster.