Coast quick Michael Neser to continue Test push in Qld’s one-dayer against WA at Metricon on Thursday

MICHAEL Neser’s Gold Coast homecoming has taken on extra significance as he continues his push for a Test debut in Australia’s looming series against Pakistan.

MICHAEL Neser’s Gold Coast homecoming has taken on extra significance as he continues his push for a Test debut in Australia’s looming series against Pakistan.

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An unused member of the Australian touring party that retained the Ashes in England last month, Neser is one of four Gold Coast Dolphins in a 12-man Queensland squad to face Western Australia in the Marsh One Day Cup at Metricon Stadium on Thursday.

The 29-year-old quick, who is joined in the Bulls side by clubmates Matt Kuhnemann, Xavier Bartlett and Max Bryant, will then return to the Gabba on Saturday to do battle with the Warriors in the Sheffield Shield.

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He has started the Shield season on fire with a competition-high 12 wickets in two games at an average of 15.91, prompting today’s selection in an Australia A side to face Pakistan in a tour match in Perth from November 11.

While the two first class outings will give him a chance to impress national selectors ahead of the first Test at the Gabba from November 21, Neser said his path to the Baggy Green could begin at Metricon.

Gold Coast Dolphins fast bowler Michael Neser will have the chance to push his case for Test selection when Queensland hosts Western Australia at Metricon Stadium on Thursday. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

“I suppose I treat every game as an audition. Obviously I want to perform well for Queensland and put my name in the hat for selection (for Australia),” Neser, who has 156 first class wickets at an average of 26, said.

“I’m always trying to play for Queensland and play well so I … will treat (Thursday’s game) the same way I would any other game. If I do well, I do well (but) I don’t want to put any more pressure on.

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“Any sport on the Gold Coast is great. I always love coming down to the Gold Coast, the facilities are great, the weather’s always great so we love coming to the Gold Coast.

“I’ve watched a couple of T20 games (at Metricon) and they’ve been quite good so I’m looking forward to it.”

Born in South Africa, Neser’s journey on the Glitter Strip began at the age of 10 when his family moved from Pretoria.

Neser bats for the Dolphins in 2008.

He made his first appearance for the Dolphins in 2006-07, earning a first grade debut as an 18-year-old the following season.

Now a key figure for the Bulls, he has found a source of inspiration in Queensland teammate Joe Burns, who smashed 180 against Sri Lanka in February upon his recall to the Test side.

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“Every game that you play for Queensland you’re trying to push your case. Burns did that a couple of games ago and for myself, I’ve done it in the early stages of the Shield season so far,” he said.

“I try to keep it level-headed with the way I play with Queensland. I’ve got a lot of good players around me as well so I don’t want to put any more pressure on than there already is.

“All I can do is keep performing and hope I get selected.”

Play on Thursday begins at 9.30am and admission is free.