Michael Neser

A bowling all-rounder of South African origin, young Michael Neser shifted base to Australia at the start of this millennium. His multiple skills were on view during the age group competitions that he played in and eventually got selected for the Queensland Under-19 squad for the 2008-09 season. Neser continued to fare well and eventually got selected for the 2010-11 Sheffield Shield season on the back of a string of excellent performances.

Unlike a few limited-overs all-rounders who are mostly considered as bits-and-pieces players, Neser has a fair command over his batting and bowling. His medium pace isn't the quickest but can certainly hurry the batsmen while his batting is more than handy. In the domestic circuit, Neser has been fairly decent as an all-rounder but the BBL has seen him shine more as a bowler. His performances in the BBL attracted RCB and he was drafted in to play the IPL in the 2013 season but played only game after conceding 62 runs in his 4 overs.

After a disappointing season in 2016/17, Michael Neser delivered really well for his side in Sheffield Shield cricket by picking up 39 wickets and 33 wickets respectively in the next two seasons. His consistency over seasons were rewarded as he made his ODI debut in 2018 and then was on the plane to the UK for Ashes 2019 but a Test debut would have to wait till November 2021. He picked up a maiden Test 5-wicket haul in December 2022 but failed to hold on to his place. Neser remained in the fray but was never a regular in Australia's Test setup.

Written by Hariprasad Sadanandan and Kumar Abhisekh Das