Australia has announced its squad for the upcoming Test series against New Zealand. Right-arm pacer Michael Neser has been added to the squad for the AUS vs NZ Test series. Interestingly, Michael Neser has returned to the Test team after a year.
Pacer Michael Neser, 33, last played in the Test series against the West Indies in December 2022. He played a two-match game and took 5 wickets in the match. He was subsequently snubbed for the entire year of 2023.
Neser was not part of the team in the recent Test series against the West Indies. Scott Boland is also part of the AUS vs NZ test series. However, it is worth noting that the duo will only get a chance if the pace trio of Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins miss any games.
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Pat Cummins to lead Australia against New Zealand in Tests
After missing the recent AUS vs WI ODI series, Pat Cummins will return to lead Australia in the Test series against New Zealand. Steve Smith, who was promoted to opener following the retirement of David Warner, is also part of the series.
He is also expected to retain the top spot in the Test series between Australia and New Zealand. Except for the addition of Michael Neser, Australia has retained all other members who were part of the previous Test series against the West Indies. Below is Australia’s full squad for the New Zealand Tests.
Australia Test Team: Pat Cummins (Captain), Steve Smith, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland, Michael Neser .
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Michael Neser appeared in 2 tests in the past
Michael Neser has only appeared in 2 Tests so far after making his debut in December 2021 against England. He has 7 wickets in 4 innings at an average of 16.71. Neser also scored 56 runs in 3 innings, including a 35-run hit.
The right-arm seamer has also appeared in 4 ODIs for Australia, picking up 3 wickets with an economy of 6.52. Australia chief selector George Bailey said it was great to see Michael Neser get another chance in the Test team.
“It’s fantastic to see Michael Neser get another chance in the team after his always consistent performances over a long period of time and the conditions we expect,” Bailey said.
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Australia tour of New Zealand 2024 starts on February 21
Australia’s tour of New Zealand 2024 will begin on February 21 with the three-match T20I series. Later, the AUS vs NZ Test series will begin on February 29 with the opening match in Wellington. The second test will begin on March 8 in Christchurch. The Test series will witness only two games.
Meanwhile, Australia will take on the West Indies in a three-match T20I series. Recently, they beat the Caribbean team 3-0 in an ODI series. On the other hand, New Zealand will face South Africa in the second Test before taking on Australia at home.