Fast bowler Michael Neser has been ruled out of Australia’s tour of Pakistan, after falling victim to the same injury that sidelined other top-line quicks.
Queensland coach Wade Seccombe confirmed this morning that Neser had suffered a side strain during the Bulls’ Marsh Cup loss to New South Wales on Monday.
“It’s bad luck for Michael and we’re hoping he makes a speedy recovery,” he said.
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Both Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott have recently missed time due to similar injuries.
A statement from Queensland Cricket said that Neser did not have a firm return to play date and that he would continue to be monitored.
Neser, who played his only Test in Adelaide in December, will be replaced by fellow Queenslander Mark Steketee, who was a standby player for the touring squad.
While both Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne have not travelled with the Bulls to Victoria for their Sheffield Shield match that starts on Friday, Mitchell Swepson will travel with the team for one more chance to impress selectors.
Swepson was in the squad for this summer’s Ashes but is yet to make his Test debut for Australia.
He was also included in the 18-man contingent when the Test squad was announced last week.
The first Test against Pakistan begins on March 4.
It’s been 24 years since Australia last toured Pakistan, when Australia won the first Test by an innings and 99 runs before the last two were drawn.
The sides will play three Tests in March before three ODIs on March 27, March 29 and April 2, as well as one T20 on April 5.
Squads for the short-form matches will be confirmed later, as Australia’s T20 team remain locked in a series with Sri Lanka – which they clinched last night with a third consecutive win.
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