Michael Neser played a crucial role in Australia’s pursuit of a 2-0 lead in the Ashes series, delivering a standout performance that revitalized his Test career. After suffering a severe hamstring injury last season, Neser feared he might never return to the field. However, his remarkable spell at the Gabba saw him take two key wickets, removing England’s Ollie Pope and Zak Crawley, which helped shift the momentum in Australia’s favor.
England began their second innings strongly, reaching 90 for 1 and reducing Australia’s lead of 177 runs. Yet, in a matter of overs, Neser turned the tide with his exceptional bowling, leading to a swift collapse from England, who lost three wickets for just seven runs. This dramatic turnaround momentarily set the stage for a potential three-day finish, although England managed to survive until the close of play.
Neser’s return to the Test arena is particularly noteworthy, as he had not played in a match for three years prior to this series. His selection for the current match was controversial, with many surprised when he was chosen over veteran spinner Nathan Lyon. Neser had initially not been part of the squad for the first Test in Perth but was called up following injuries to teammates Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott.
Reflecting on his long recovery journey, Neser shared, “After last season when I thought I was bowling superbly… and I did my hammy really badly, I thought that could have been my chance [gone].” He expressed gratitude for being given another opportunity to represent Australia, emphasizing his lifelong passion for cricket.
Neser faced a challenging road back to peak fitness, opting to focus on his recovery rather than return to county cricket earlier this year. “It was a long recovery, think it was 12 weeks out of it, and I may have come back a week or two quicker than I should have,” he noted. His decision to prioritize his fitness paid off, as he felt strong and ready for the Australian summer.
In the first innings at the Gabba, Neser made a significant impact by breaking a 117-run partnership between Crawley and Joe Root, taking the catch behind the stumps. His unconventional method of securing wickets through return catches demonstrated his adaptability as a bowler. “They’ve given us a couple of opportunities with caught and bowleds,” said Neser, acknowledging the aggressive batting style of the England team.
Another notable aspect of Neser’s performance was the impressive work of wicketkeeper Alex Carey, who stood up to the stumps for much of Neser’s bowling. This tactic, which helped build pressure on the English batters, was one that Neser initially found challenging. He credited fellow player Usman Khawaja for encouraging him to embrace this strategy. “I know the role I play is very different to the other quicks,” he stated, highlighting the importance of adapting his approach.
At the other end of the pace spectrum, Mitchell Starc showcased his all-round skills, contributing significantly with both bat and ball. After scoring 77 runs in Australia’s innings, he took two wickets, including that of Joe Root, which proved crucial in disrupting England’s chase. Neser praised Starc’s exceptional abilities, calling him “the greatest leftie of all time.”
As the match continues, Neser, who is nearly the same age as Starc, expressed his desire to contribute to the team beyond just day-night Tests. “I do love the red ball as well,” he remarked, reflecting on his passion for the game. With strong performances from players like Neser and Starc, Australia is well positioned to retain the Ashes, setting the stage for an exciting continuation of the series.
