World Test Championship final: Michael Neser close to call-up after Marsh, Hazlewood injuries

Australia have been struck with fresh injury woes, prompting Pat Cummins and his team to deliver a selection shock ahead of the World Test Championship final.

Michael Neser is set to be thrust into the mix for a shock berth in the World Test Championship Final, with Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Marsh being given time to return from minor injury.

Australia must finalise a 15-man squad by Sunday to face India for the world Test crown, and Neser is on the verge of being called up despite not currently being part of the wider 17-man Ashes squad.

It’s understood Hazlewood (side) is highly unlikely to be considered for the WTC Final, with selectors preferring to continue building his resilience for the five-Test Ashes series to immediately follow the one-off showdown with India at The Oval on June 8.

Michael Neser is firming for inclusion in Australias 15-man squad for the WTC Final. Picture: Getty

Meanwhile, all-rounder Marsh is returning to bowling this week after suffering a minor adductor strain at the end of the IPL, and although selectors expect him to be fit for the WTC Final if required, adding Neser to the squad instantly gives Australia cover for both its starting bowling attack and first-choice all-rounder, Cameron Green.

Neser has been dominating English County Cricket with both bat and ball and it’s not beyond the realms of possibility that the Queenslander could instantly force his way into WTC starting XI.

Not only is he the only Australian quick in form in English conditions, but selectors need to strategically decide how to best manage Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and indeed Hazlewood through an Indian Test and then a five-match Ashes series epic.

The only controversy surrounding Australia’s Ashes squad was the omission of Neser, but the case for his inclusion has become irresistible with the 33-year-old adding a 123, 86 and 90 for county side Glamorgan to his brilliant performances with the ball, which have included a hat-trick and a seven-wicket haul.

Mitchell Marsh is nursing an adductor strain, putting his availability in doubt. Picture: Getty

Neser is first and foremost a fast bowler, but his three first-class centuries prove he is also a certified Test No.7 should Australia be looking for an alternative way to sneak him into their side as an all-rounder.

Boland is undoubtedly ahead of Neser in the fast bowling pecking order based on the fact he was named in the original squad and has performed so tremendously for Australia when called upon over the past two summers.

But in an English summer where Australia is playing six Tests in such close succession, it’s more than likely Neser could get his opportunity at some point against either India or England.

Neser’s bowling is beautifully suited to seaming English conditions, and the idea that he could add valuable runs down the order in a country where top order runs can be difficult to come by is also tantalising.

Neser has been in fine form in county cricket, and impressed in Test cricket previously. Picture: AFP

Australia has already forecast Neser’s potential inclusion in the wider Ashes squad by the fact he and NSW pacer Sean Abbott will join the squad’s training preparations next week.

Meanwhile, Australia’s medical staff and selectors are confident Hazlewood and Marsh will be fit and firing for the Ashes.

Hazlewood picked up side soreness and left the IPL early, however, scans showed there was no strain and he is already back bowling.

The concern with Hazlewood is he has only played two Tests in the past two summers and hasn’t had any red-ball cricket since returning from an Achilles injury.

Marsh also didn’t play his IPL team’s final two matches and flew home early due to the adductor issue, however, he could have continued playing as a batsman and will this week return to full bowling.

Both Hazlewood and Marsh will fly out with the Australian squad later this week.

Originally published as World Test Championship final: Michael Neser close to call-up after Marsh, Hazlewood injuries