Australia cricket team have been dealt with a blow ahead of IND vs AUS Test series as pacer Michael Neser is all but ruled out of the series. Neser was supposed to be one of Australia’s bac-up pace options for the series but will unfortunately not be a part of the series due to a hamstring injury. The five-match series which will get underway from November 22 will need more than just Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. Right now, Australia are on the backfoot in terms of finding backups.
Australia’s pace back-up conundrum for IND vs AUS Test series
Neser sustained a hamstring injury during India A’s opening game against Australia A. He is set to be out of action till December 18. It is very well known that Australia is expected to rest either of Starc, Cummins and Hazlewood across matches in the series, keeping in mind workload management. The trio also serve as Australia’s senior pacers in the ODI format as well and hence Australia would want to be careful ahead of Champions Trophy 2025.
With the trio of Starc-Cummins-Hazlewood potentially being rested for a part of the series, Australia is in dire need of back-up pacers. The side has already lost Cameron Green to injury while Mitchell Marsh is unlikely to bowl. That leaves Australia with just one solid option in the reserve – Scott Boland.
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Jhye Richardson is another back-up option for Australia, provided he emerges 100% fit in time for IND vs AUS series. While he certainly won’t be a part of the Perth Test, he aims to steal a spot in the XI for the day-night game in Adelaide.
Australia squad for IND vs AUS 1st Test
Pat Cummins, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Nathan McSweeney, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc.
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