On Sunday, the team decided to michael Neser to the lineup, replacing Josh Hazlewood, the pace-setter for Australia, who was unable could notte in the World Test Championship final against India this week.
Hazlewood out of WTC final: Since tearing his Achilles during the Sydney Test against South Africa in January, Hazlewood has not played any red-ball cricket and has just recently returned to the Indian Premier League.
Although he has been bowling at full speed during recent training sessions, the selectors decided not to risk him with a five-test Ashes series against England to come.
Scott Boland is expected to replace Hazlewood and lead the attack alongside Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins, and Nathan Lyon. However, Neser’s impressive form while playing county cricket for Glamorgan also makes him a strong contender.
“We considered giving the go-ahead to Josh, but we are aware that our upcoming schedule makes this more than just a one-off Test match,” stated George Bailey, the chair of selectors.
Michael had been playing well for his county, and knowing that he would be close by allowed him to continue, enabling us to rely on him. He adds a lot of strength to the bunch of fast bowlers.
“This will give Josh an ideal preparation leading into Edgbaston,” he continued. “We will need all our fast bowling resources with six Test matches in just over seven weeks.”
The first Test of the Ashes begins on June 16 at Edgbaston, and the World Test Championship final begins on Wednesday at The Oval.