Former Australia pacer Doug Bollinger is keen to see Michael Neser replace injured Josh Hazlewood in the second Ashes Test, starting here on December 16.
Hazlewood was officially ruled out of day-night play after the 30-year-old pacer suffered a side strain during the home team’s nine-wicket win in the first Test at The Gabba.
With a decision on his fitness for the Boxing Day Test (Melbourne, 26 December), Hazlewood flew from Brisbane to Sydney on Sunday afternoon for further evaluation and rehabilitation.
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Cricket The Australia (CA) selection panel will choose between Michael Neser of Queensland and Jhye Richardson of Western Australia in place of Hazlewood.
Although Bollinger, who played 12 Tests and 39 ODIs for Australia, took 112 wickets in the two formats, besides donning a Chennai Super Kings jersey in his professional career, he said he would go with Neser.
“I would love to see Michael Neser. He totally deserves it,” Bollinger said on SEN 1170 Mornings on Monday. He’s been very consistent for a few years now and he can bat … they have the (Sheffield) Shield. century.”
Neser is yet to receive his baggy green cap, despite being a member of the Australian Test team since 2018. The 31-year-old right-arm seamer has taken 236 wickets in 124 innings in Shield cricket at an average of 24.47 and that is a valuable low. -Order batsman, with one century at an average of 24.48.
He also stood out in Australia A’s victory over the England Lions, taking seven for 65 for the match, including taking five wickets in the first innings.
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On the other hand, his opponent, 25-year-old Jhye Richardson, has played two Tests against Sri Lanka in 2019 and has taken 23 wickets at an average of 13.43 in four Shield games this season.
Bollinger felt the selectors had finished their job as both Richardson and Neser had proved their worth.
“To be there is a big problem. We still have other players who can bowl as well. I’m dodging Scott Boland there. Hit the wicket very hard… He got five wickets in his last Shield game, Bollinger said.
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