Michael Neser makes huge Ashes statement amid Warner selection speculation

While David Warner’s spot remains under scrutiny amid a string of failures, one Aussie bolter might have played his way into Ashes contention.

It’s the call ringing loud around the motherland ahead of the fourth Ashes Test.

Neser must play.

The now-ubiquitous campaign is sure to leap into action again after a monstrous County Championship innings from Australia’s perennial 12th man saw Neser crunch 176 from 202 deliveries for Glamorgan against Leicestershire overnight.

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Coming in at a grim 5/73 in the 27th over, Neser plundered the Foxes to all parts of Sophia Gardens, whacking 25 fours and two sixes in his unbeaten effort, only coming to an end as Glamorgan declared on 9/403.

Neser has been Australia’s perennial 12th man. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

The century marks Neser’s second in a row, having made 123 against Sussex earlier in the year before joining the Australian Ashes tour contingent.

Neser, reflecting on the effort, said it was special.

“It means a lot. To put that together is quite special,” Neser told BBC at the end of play.

“We just tried to say let‘s be positive and put the pressure back on them. We had a few fortunate moments and thankfully it paid off.”

Neser has also taken 19 wickets this County season at an average of 25.63, his best figures being 7/32 against Yorkshire in May, including the scalps of internationals Saud Shakeel, Dawid Malan, Dom Bess and New South Welshman Mickey Edwards.

Australia’s bowling line-up has not been cause for concern this series despite the Aussies’ first-change options struggling for penetration against the swashbuckling English.

If Glenn Maxwell makes you think, Michael Neser has just taken a sledgehammer to the door and barged into your house.

A career best 176* off 202 balls. What an innings 👏#Ashespic.twitter.com/JVwE46OdbV

— Lachlan McKirdy (@LMcKirdy7) July 12, 2023

93/7 ➡️ 403/9d

Every boundary from Michael Neser's career-best 176 not out!#LVCountyChamppic.twitter.com/Rl4C0oVkYA

— LV= Insurance County Championship (@CountyChamp) July 12, 2023

Michael Neser, what guy. Just took a break to drive down to Cardiff & own the #LVCountyChamp yet again #NeserMustPlayhttps://t.co/Kj2JkPYIVJ

— Bharat Sundaresan (@beastieboy07) July 12, 2023

The usually miserly Scott Boland went wicketless at Headingley, and the lacking lower-order batting from the Australians this series is a sore point on the flatter wickets presented.

Neser, who will return to Ashes camp in Manchester this weekend, shapes as the perfect foil for a side sorely seeking both batting depth and penetration on English wickets ahead of the fourth Test as they seek to wrap up their first foreign Ashes victory since 2001.

The Australian selectors are already faced with the task of deciding whether the struggling David Warner should retain his spot at the top of the order after Mitchell Marsh emerged as a batting option for the side, adding to his two Test centuries with a brutal 118 at Headingley.

Neser’s selection would provide a degree of batting depth to cover Warner and allow the selectors the politically easier solution of showing faith in the embattled opener, while providing additional seam bowling options.

The fourth Ashes Test gets underway at Old Trafford on July 19 at 8pm AEST.