Australia's experienced fast bowler Michael Neser has suffered a minor setback after sustaining a right calf strain during a training session. He picked up the injury while training with the Test squad in Brisbane ahead of Australia’s home series against Bangladesh later this month. However, the veteran star remains optimistic about recovering in time to be considered for Australia's tour of South Africa in October. According to Cricket Australia, the injury “will prevent him from training or playing for several weeks.”
The injury comes at a challenging time for Neser, who was overlooked for Australia's upcoming home Test series against Bangladesh. His exclusion came amid the return of frontline pacers Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, both of whom made their return to the side after remaining on the sidelines for a long time. Earlier this year Neser showed his class during Australia's successful Ashes campaign on home soil.
After being called into the side, he took 15 wickets at an average of 19.93 to play a pivotal role in Australia’s victory. Overall, in his five Test appearances, he has collected 22 wickets while maintaining an impressive bowling average of 18.90. Notably, Australia have a demanding schedule because after the two-Test series against Bangladesh, they will travel to South Africa in late September for ODIs and Tests.