Michael Neser out of Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 as ex-PBKS pacer aims to replace him

Australia's plans for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 have suffered a setback with the confirmation that fast bowler Michael Neser will be unavailable for the second and third Tests at Adelaide and Brisbane, respectively, against India due to a hamstring injury.

Michael Neser was already ruled out of the much-awaited five-match Test series opener against India at the Optus Stadium in Perth, starting on November 22, and now he has been out of action since at least December 18. He is likely to be back in action in time for the Big Bash League (BBL).

Michael Neser's injury shakes up Australia's Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 plans

The 34-year-old fast bowler suffered the hamstring injury on the opening day of Australia A four-day match against India A at the MCG, and he is now expected to be sidelined until at least mid-December, missing out on Australia’s crucial early Test matches against India.

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Michael Neser was already unlikely to be selected for the Perth Test, given the depth of fast-bowling options available, including Scott Boland, who is set to assist the premier pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc in the first Test of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Despite this, Michael Neser’s unavailability still leaves Australia concerned, as they are facing a hectic schedule, which features a string of back-to-back Tests with limited breaks between matches in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

The Australian team management had already expressed concerns about the ability to play all five Tests without rotating fast bowlers, especially considering the grueling back-to-back matchups and now Michael Neser's injury made things tough for them.

Nathan McAndrew and Sean Abbott in line to join Australia's Test squad

The fast bowler had to face similar conditions during the 2021-22 Ashes, where injuries to key players forced changes. With the three-day game between Adelaide and Brisbane Test followed by a short gap to Boxing Day, there is rising worry about the physical toll on the bowlers.

While Scott Boland is expected to step up if needed, the attention is now turning to potential backup options for the later stages of the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 against India as Michael Neser is unlikely to return for the last two Tests.

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It is being said that the Australian fast bowlers Nathan McAndrew and Sean Abbott have been shortlisted as potential replacements, but Australia is also hopeful that Jhye Richardson might be fit enough to join the squad as a late addition.

Pending selection, hopefully next game: Jhye Richardson

The 28-year-old Richardson's return to first-class cricket has been carefully managed, and if he continues his progress, he could be considered a key option should further injuries occur or other physical issues. He can make a return to the Test side as his recovery and performance in domestic cricket have been closely monitored by the selectors.

Jhye Richardson is now hoping to play in WA's day-night Shield game against South Australia at Adelaide Oval, starting on November 23. His performance in the Shield game will be very crucial to boost his chances for the Australia selection for the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25.

Richardson stated, “Pending selection, hopefully next game. I'm still waiting to see what sort of restriction and stuff is put on that. It's a pink ball in Adelaide, and, you know, I like playing pink-ball games, so I've been pushing hard to get into that one, but we'll see how we go. Obviously, the plan's not 100% finalized.”