Luckless fast bowler Michael Neser has been recalled to Australia’s Test squad for the tour of New Zealand.
Neser is part of a 14-man squad announced on Friday ahead of the two-Test series across the ditch starting later this month.
Fellow quick Scott Boland and top-order batter Matthew Renshaw are the other two inclusions not regularly included in the Aussie team.
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Veteran seamers Neser and Boland get the nod over injured younger bowlers Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris, who are both battling side strains.
Renshaw is stilling gunning for a spot in the team after Steve Smith was elevated to opener following the retirement of David Warner.
Neser, 33, is one of the best swing bowlers in the country but has only played two Tests to date as he’s struggled to push ahead of Pat Cummins, Scott Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc.
His two matches in the baggy green both came at Adelaide when replacing a sick and injured Cummins in 2021 and 2022.
Neser is also handy with the bat, having scored 140 in Queensland’s opener Sheffield Shield match this summer.
“It’s great to see Michael Neser get another opportunity in the squad following his ever-consistent performances over a long period of time and the conditions we expect,” chief selector George Bailey said.
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“As we know every Test match provides vital opportunities to obtain valuable WTC points and we expect this tour will be a tough challenge against a very strong side who have been so consistent at home for a long period of time.”
Australia’s Test series against New Zealand begins on February 29.
Australia Test squad vs New Zealand: Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc