Australia’s dynamic fast-bowling all-rounder, Michael Neser, has been sidelined from the PM XI squad set to face Pakistan due to recent soreness experienced during Queensland’s Sheffield Shield fixture against Western Australia. Cricket Australia (CA) has announced that Jordan Buckingham from South Australia will step in as Neser’s replacement for the four-day game against the visiting Pakistan team at Manuka Oval starting Wednesday.
Chief selector George Bailey highlighted the decision’s cautionary nature, stating, “We want to ensure that should the opportunity arise to play more Test cricket this summer, we are giving him the best chance to be ready to perform.” Neser, a proven Test performer, last played against West Indies in Adelaide last year and was part of the Ashes tour earlier this year.
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The soreness raises doubts about Neser’s availability for the upcoming Big Bash League (BBL) season, where Brisbane Heat initiates their campaign against Melbourne Stars on Thursday. The Brisbane Heat’s medical team will assess Neser’s condition in the coming days to determine his BBL availability.
In Neser’s absence, Jordan Buckingham joins Nathan McAndrew and Mark Steketee as one of the three fast-bowlers in the PM XI’s game lineup. All-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster also contribute as alternative pace-bowling options for the encounter against Pakistan.
–IANS
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