Neser builds CV for Ashes
CONCOCTING a plan to combat flat tracks and the old ball has become a focus for swing king Michael Neser as he continues his push for an Ashes baptism.
Widely regarded as one of the country’s best swing bowlers, the Gold Coast Dolphins quick has been given a golden opportunity to remind selectors of his wares in the final four rounds of the Sheffield Shield.
With the English Dukes ball being used in the second half of the season, Neser could force his way into the Australian Test squad for August’s Ashes if he can fire for Queensland.
The 28-year-old finished with figures of 2-64 yesterday in the first innings of the Bulls’ ongoing battle with Victoria, taking his season tally to 15 wickets at 32.4.
However, he remains eager to develop the other parts of his bowling arsenal after earning a spot in the touring party for the twoTest series against Pakistan on the flat pitches of the UAE late last year.
Neser’s perceived lack of penetration on batsmanfriendly decks likely played a part in his omission from those fixtures but Bulls assistant coach and former Test quick Andy Bichel said it was an area that had been addressed.
“That’s something he was tested with going to Dubai on those flatter wickets, thinking about how he was going to go about (taking wickets)
and not over-attacking,” said Bichel, who has worked closely with Neser since joining the Bulls coaching staff in 2016.
“You’ve got to get into a boring phase and put six balls on the spot.
“It’s that and having the right field, so it’s a different mindset but it’s something that he’s well and truly got the ability to do.
“He keeps going and he’s that sort of person who captains like in the team because they can throw him the ball and he always gives 100 per cent.
“It’s a real asset to him and I think that’s something JL (Australian coach Justin Langer) can see when he’s been in and around the group.”
Swinging the ball, however, remained Neser’s bread and butter, says Bichel.
“The Dukes ball is something he’s had lots of success with,” Bichel said.
“Michael’s at his best when he’s swinging the ball away and it’s something he works really hard at and he’s got the ability to swing it both ways, especially with the Dukes ball.”