Ashes cricket news: Michael Neser speaks out after missing Australian squad

Seamer Michael Neser was an unexpected snub from Australia’s Ashes squad – and his omission has left those in power at Queensland cricket stunned. Here’s why.

Shock Ashes omission Michael Neser admits he was disappointed at the unexpected snub but his spirits have been lifted by news he may yet be a part of the series.

Fast bowler Neser was the unluckiest omission of Australia’s 17-man party for next month’s tour of England after winning the Sheffield Shield player of the year award on the back of a summer which featured 40 wickets at 16 and a batting average of 35.

Nearly every pundit named the 33-year-old in their touring squads but Australia went for all-rounder Mitchell Marsh.

“I was really disappointed at the start but I had a very good conversation with (selection chairman) George Bailey and he was pretty clear about where I stand,’’ Neser said from Glamorgan where he is playing English county cricket.

“He told me it’s a long tour and they can bring me in at any stage depending on conditions. At least I am over here and playing cricket. That is a positive.

“Obviously I would have loved being part of that squad but that is how it is.

“I would not say I was shattered but I was pretty disappointed. I had a pretty good season but George definitely gave me some positive words. If one of the bowlers goes down or there are suitable conditions I still might be required.

“It was the best season I have had to date. On a positive note I do get called in I will be coming in with matches under my belt.’’

Michael Neser hasn’t given up on being part of this year’s Ashes.

Neser’s snubbing went down poorly at Queensland Cricket where chief executive Terry Svenson has expressed his dismay.

“We’re surprised Michael wasn’t named in the squad,’’ Svenson said.

“Selection isn’t easy, however considering his performances in the Shield this season and his suitability to the conditions, we’d have had him in the squad.

“We know he is disappointed and we are disappointed for him.’’

Neser’s omission raises the question of whether he disadvantaged himself by playing for Glamorgan in that it actually benefited selectors to leave him out of the 17 and have him match ready by playing in England.

Australia’s pecking order is likely to be the time honoured trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc supported by Scott Boland.

Hazlewood has not played since suffering an Achilles heel injury in the final Test of the summer against South Africa in Sydney and his condition will be watched closely.

With Boland the first alternative, the selectors had the luxury of being able to let Neser play for Glamorgan knowing he would be only a few hours drive away if they needed him.

DID TWO WORDS SAVE WARNER’S TEST CAREER?

It sounds weird – a World Championship final doubling as a trial match – but the challenge handed to David Warner is the right one for the man and his country.

Warner has been given the World Test Championship final against India at Old Trafford to see whether he should play first up in the Ashes a week later and the parameters of the assignment are fair for Warne and Australia.

The selectors have placed Warner’s fate in his own lap.

As a decorated senior player near the end of his career he deserved that chance even if his modest recent form and record in England meant he could be not be given a gold pass for the Ashes.

Warner won’t need much against India to play against England – 40 should seal the deal – but if he got out cheaply twice the selectors would have some chin scratching to do.

England captain Ben Stokes enhanced Warner’s chances of retention when he made a plea to curators for “fast, flat’’ wickets … the decks on which Warner tends to be at his best.

The credentials of back-ups Marcus Harris and Matt Renshaw are not so imposing that they warranted first up inclusion over Warner against India.

David Warner faces plenty of challenges in England. Picture: AAP Images

Selection chairman George Bailey said the team would be reassessed after the World Championship Test because of the change in conditions and opponent but the landscape – even though the first game will be played with a Kookaburra and the Ashes a Dukes ball - isn’t as different as if looks on paper.

While Indian fast bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Mohammed Shami may not have shot the lights out in Tests in England they are extremely crafty swing bowlers who will be an imposing test for all Australian batsmen before the Ashes.

If Warner can survive against them he is definitely worth his place in the Ashes despite his struggles against Stuart Broad and in England in general.

Swingman Michael Neser is the most unlucky omission from Australia’s Ashes squad.

His absence raises the question whether a player disadvantages themselves playing English county cricket (in his case Glamorgan) and being close by, match hardened and available.

The Australian selectors must be luxuriating in the fact they can call him in at any time. How England would love having their reserves playing Sheffield Shield cricket during Ashes tours of Australia.

Ben Stokes may have handed David Warner a lifeline. Picture: AFP Images

Australia has not won a series in England since 2001 and this contest brings a change of theme and a fresh, vibrant challenge.

Normally Australia is the cavalier outfit and England mired in conservatism but England’s new dynamic Bazzball style has shaken the foundations of world cricket.

Rivals loathe talking about it. Bailey quickly redirected a question about Australia’s tactics for Bazzball to Australia’s coaching staff and clearly wanted no part of glamourizing or demeaning it.

Australia drew the last Ashes in England by learning how to dry England up and cut off the boundaries. That philosophy can work again and be more crucial than ever.

Originally published as Ashes cricket news: Michael Neser speaks out after missing Australian squad