Michael Neser’s five-wicket haul a message for Test selectors

Five Test matches is a big workload for Australia’s frontline fast bowlers and a regular back-up made a massive opening Sheffield Shield impression.

Queensland fast bowler Michael Neser declared his clear desire to be part of Australia’s Test series against India after a cricket-free winter primed him for an opening day five-wicket haul in the Sheffield Shield.

Neser, 34, took wickets with the opening two balls of the match against Western Australia at the WACA, finishing with 5-48 having spent time in the gym “getting stronger” hoping to get an opportunity during the five-Tests against India.

Australia’s first-choice fats bowling attack of captain Pat Cummins, Mitch Starc and Josh Hazlewood played seven Tests in a row last summer, against Pakistan, the West Indies and New Zealand, shutting the door on hopefuls including Neser and even Scott Boland.

Neser also lost his Cricket Australia contract but that hasn’t deterred the veteran seamer from getting in the best shape possible to push his case.

“I think every bowler in the country would say that they’ve got their eye on that (India series),” Neser said after the opening day.

Michael Neser of Queensland appeals for one of his five wickets. (Photo by Paul Kane/Getty Images)

“There’s not much you can do apart from putting performances on the board. It’s handy that I just (got five wickets) first game.

“Hopefully I can carry this momentum throughout the season.”

A regular in county cricket in England during the Australian winter, Neser suffered a calf injury while at Hampshire, shortening his overseas stint which he said was a “blessing in disguise”.

“I had a shorter season in the UK ... I just thought it would be the best thing for the body,” Neser said.

“And unfortunately, I did my calf. But to be honest, it was probably a blessing in disguise.

“I didn’t play much cricket on the off season, and just got to go in the gym and get strong again.

“I played a lot of back-to-back seasons over in county cricket, and then we had the Ashes the previous year, so I played a lot of cricket in probably 24 months.

“To have that little stint at home with the family kind of refreshed me a bit, and I’m ready to go now.”

Neser played the most recent of his two Tests against the West Indies in Adelaide almost two years ago, and Boland, who was rested from the opening round of Shield matches, remains next-in-line, pending more big hauls from the Queensland quick.

Originally published as Michael Neser’s five-wicket haul a message for Test selectors