Australia Tour Of Pakistan 2022: Mark Steketee Replaces Injured Michael Nesser In Australia's Squad

Queensland pacer Mark Steketee replaced Michael Nesser in Australia’s squad for the Pakistan tour after the latter suffered a side strain on Monday. Queensland Cricket confirmed the 31-year-old’s injury during their Marsh Cup (Australia’s domestic ODI tournament) match against New South Wales.

As Queensland were ready to defend their paltry score of 106 against NSW, Nesser was handed to bowl the second over but he could just bowl the first ball of the over before leaving the pitch as Marnus Labuschagne completed the remaining over.

Mark Steketee replaces Michael Neser: Cricket Australia

Steketee, who got the wicket of Hayden Kerr in the 17th over of the match, was named as Nesser’s replacement for the upcoming Pakistan tour, where Australia will play three Tests, three ODI matches and a solitary T20 International match.

Steketee has played 51 First-Class matches and 37 List A games for Queensland and will have the golden opportunity to make his international debut for Australia.

Apart from naming Steketee as Nesser’s replacement, Cricket Australia has also decided to add South Australia pacer Brendan Doggett to the squad as a reserved player.

“Steketee replaces Michael Neser who was today ruled out with a side strain. He’ll play this week’s #SheffieldShield game against Victoria before joining the Australian squad. Brendan Doggett will also join the squad next week as cover #PAKvAUS,” Cricket Australia tweeted.

Michael Nesser made his Test debut against England last year

Nesser made his Test debut for Australia in the second Ashes Test against England at the Adelaide Oval, he picked a couple of wickets in each innings, he got Haseeb Hameed in the first and trapped Dawid Malan for LBW in the second innings.

Australia went on to win that game by 275 runs despite the dogged resistance displayed by England wicketkeeper-batter Jos Buttler on Day 5.

Pakistan and Australia will play the first of the three Tests on March 4 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium in Rawalpindi.

Also Read: Australia Tour Of Pakistan 2022: Why Mohammad Abbas And Yasir Shah Are Named As Reserved Players And Not In Main Squad