Sam Konstas eyes England move as Ashes hero Michael Neser secures Hampshire return

Sam Konstas has found himself on the outside of the Australian Test side this summer – but the young star is exploring the possibility of a crucial, career-changing move.

English cricket hasn’t seen the last of Gabba Ashes tormentor Michael Neser, who is bound for Hampshire next year in a County cricket stint.

It comes as Test discard Sam Konstas also explores the possibility of time in the County system in what would be potentially vital experience in UK conditions as he eyes a berth on the 2027 Ashes tour.

Code Sports can reveal that Neser, who turns 36 in March, will return to Southampton next year, having played one first-class match and seven Twenty20 games for Hampshire in 2024.

The deal is likely to be confirmed by the club ahead of the third Ashes Test starting next week.

The Queenslander – who has also previously played for Glamorgan – opted against playing in the UK this year in a bid to have a full pre-season for his state after a serious hamstring injury wiped out a chunk of his 2024-25 campaign.

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Michael Neser picked up his maiden five-wicket Test haul at the Gabba. Picture: Getty

But with Australia not playing any Test cricket between the end of the Ashes and a home series against Bangladesh in August, Neser will head back to Hampshire, who narrowly avoided relegation from division one this year.

It provides an opportunity for the veteran paceman – also a very useful lower order batter – to prove his value in UK conditions as he vies for a spot on what would be a third Ashes tour in mid-2027.

Neser won’t be the only Sheffield Shield star bound for England next year. It’s understood Victoria’s Mitch Perry, who has had a terrific start to the Shield season, will join state teammate Marcus Harris at Lancashire.

Stints for seamers Fergus O’Neill (Nottinghamshire) and Gabe Bell (Gloucestershire) have also been confirmed.

Sam Konstas is exploring a move to play County cricket next year. Picture: Getty

Meanwhile Konstas, 20, who finds himself on the outer of the Aussie Test side, is keen to pick up a County deal, albeit says he isn’t yet sure if one will eventuate.

“Yeah, definitely, especially after our season during winter, I want to hopefully play County, if a team picks me up, just to get that exposure with more red-ball cricket and playing different conditions in England and face different types of bowlers,” Konstas told Code Sports on Tuesday as he was unveiled as a Channel 7 Cricket ambassador ahead of the upcoming Big Bash League season.

“So yeah, I love playing red-ball cricket, my favourite format, and hopefully I can play many more games during the winter as well to build my skills.”

Neser, controversially recalled for the pink-ball second Test in what was his first Test appearance in three years, took five wickets in the second innings to help secure Australia an eight-wicket win.

Having previously feared he had played his last Test in the wake of his hamstring injury, Neser is now in serious consideration to hold his spot for the Adelaide Test next week.

Neser was part of Ashes tours in both 2019 and 2023 but is yet to play an overseas Test, with all three of his Test appearances coming in pink-ball matches.

Originally published as Sam Konstas eyes England move as Ashes hero Michael Neser secures Hampshire return