The Ashes 2025-26: Marnus Labuschagne has backed Michael Neser amid selection headache

A career-best effort from Michael Neser would have complicated the Aussie selectors’ plans — but he has received a strong backing from one of his teammates.

Michael Neser got a five-for in the second Test. Picture: Darrian Traynor/Getty Images

Marnus Labuschagne has sung the praises of Michael Neser as Australia faces another selection squeeze ahead of the third Test.

Australia will have Pat Cummins fit and available after injury and Nathan Lyon raring to go when the series returns to red ball in Adelaide.

The expected changes would likely be Cummins and Lyon in for Neser and Test newcomer Brendan Doggett.

But Neser has made a straight swap complex for the selectors by setting up a day four victory at the Gabba with a career-best 5-42.

Labuschagne was asked about the top order and said “I am no selector”, but he lauded Neser enough to reveal his stance on the fellow Queenslander.

“There was a moment earlier in the season where I was just like, ‘Man, I hope he gets his chance’,” Labuschagne said.

“There was obviously a few injuries and I saw the writing on the wall there that there was a potential (spot).

“For him to come in and deliver, I think (he had) maybe a little bit of nerves that first innings.

Michael Neser has now played three Tests, all in the pink-ball format. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

“To come out and second innings, play that role, get five-for, I was just so happy.

“The work he’s put in, the body of work he’s put in, the consistency, that he just keeps delivering and delivering.

“We didn’t see the best of his batting either and I think that’s the exciting part as well, he’s got a lot to offer not only with the ball … it’s probably enough said.”

Neser has played three Tests in his career, all in the pink-ball format.

But Labuschagne reinforced his view of Neser’s ability to perform in batter-friendly conditions.

“I was very excited to see Ness get five on those conditions when it was flat,” he said.

“That’s probably always the side, ‘Oh when it gets flatter, how are they going to have an impact?’

“To see him take five with an old ball, three knick offs, it was awesome.”

Australia has the opportunity to clinch the Ashes when the third Test starts in Adelaide on December 17.

Originally published as The Ashes 2025-26: Marnus Labuschagne has backed Michael Neser amid selection headache