Table of Contents
Michael Neser's plans for the Bangladesh series may have been ruined by injury, but the experienced Australian fast bowler has already set his sights on a much bigger target.
The 36-year-old has suffered a right calf strain during training in Brisbane, which ruled him out of the recent Test series against Bangladesh. However, Neser hopes that he will be fit for the South Africa tour.
Australia is scheduled to play a three-match series against South Africa from October 9, and Neser believes that he still has enough time to recover and put himself in contention for the crucial series. Earlier, Faf du Plessis says Sandpaper Gate punishments for Steve Smith & Co. went too far.
Michael Neser gives major fitness update ahead of South Africa tour
The good news for Michael Neser is that his recovery is going better than expected. The Australian fast bowler has already started bowling again, although he is currently working with a shortened run-up. He is expecting to return to his full run-up within the next few weeks.
Neser revealed that his latest scan produced encouraging results, giving him confidence that he can be ready before Australia's selectors finalize their squad for the South Africa tour.
Michael Neser is tracking really well in his return from injury and is well on track for the South Africa tour: https://t.co/VQnA2LnHPG#SAFvAUS pic.twitter.com/g8RbfYAusT
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) August 31, 2026
Michael Neser was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au, “Actually ahead of schedule. I had another scan, and results came back very good, so I'm progressing quite nicely. South Africa is still on the cards and still what I'm aiming for. Obviously, it hasn't been picked yet, but if all goes well with rehab and everything, I'll be fit and ready for that.”
A special South Africa story awaits Michael Neser
If Neser makes Australia's Test squad, the upcoming South Africa tour will be a special one for the fast bowler. Actually, Neser was born in Pretoria and spent the first 10 years of his life in South Africa before his family moved to Queensland.
As a child, Neser actually dreamed of representing South Africa, but he ended up playing for Australia after moving to the country. Now, he could find himself playing again in the county where he dreamed of playing cricket.
Neser has already represented Australia in South Africa in ODI cricket. But a Test appearance would be something completely different. Even Neser admitted the possibility of playing a Test against his country of birth could bring mixed emotions. Amid this, Josh Hazlewood reveals why batting averages have dropped in Test cricket.
It's a mixture of emotions: Michael Neser on playing Tests in South Africa
Neser further noted, “I guess it's a mixture of emotions. I'm a bit torn. Obviously, I was born there and grew up playing cricket there—and my dream was actually to play for South Africa when I was 10. Moved to Australia, things all changed, and now my dream is to play for Australia. So going over there will be like a little kid's dream come true.”
Well, Australian selectors are expected to pick their Test squad next month, so he will have very little time to impress them, and then the tough competition with the likes of Scott Boland will make things tough for him. The Australian squad will depart for Zimbabwe next week for a three-match ODI series in Zimbabwe before the ODI and Test series against South Africa.
