Australia name 14-member squad for New Zealand Tests, Michael Neser called up

Michael Neser earned a recall as Australia named a strong 14-member squad for their 2-match Test series against New Zealand.

Neser is currently playing for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield, where he scored 47 runs and picked up 2 wickets in the recent match against Tasmania at The Gabba in Brisbane.

For the series against the Black Caps, Neser is unlikely to be picked above the likes of Mitchell Starc, Schott Boland, and Josh Hazlewood.

However, chief selector George Bailey said Australia included an additional speedster since the conditions in New Zealand would be conducive to fast bowling.

“It’s great to see Michael Neser get another opportunity in the squad following his ever-consistent performances over a long period of time and the conditions we expect,” Bailey said.

Neser has played only 2 Tests for Australia since his debut in the Adelaide Test against England in the Ashes back in December 2021.

Matthew Renshaw has retained his spot in the squad as a reserve opener with Australia likely to persist with Steve Smith at the top of the order.

Australia are currently placed second in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 points table with 66 points from 10 matches.

“As we know, every Test match provides vital opportunities to obtain valuable WTC points, and we expect this tour will be a tough challenge against a very strong side who have been so consistent at home for a long period of time,” he added.

The opening Test is scheduled to get underway on February 29 at the Sky Stadium in Wellington. The Hagley Oval in Christchurch will host the second Test from March 8 onwards.

Australia Test squad for New Zealand Tests

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (vc), Mitchell Starc