MichaelNeser

One of the most consistent bowlers in Sheffield Shield cricket for several years, Michael Neser finally received his Baggy Green in the second Ashes Test of the 2021-22 summer.

That debut Test match was under lights in Adelaide, the same venue as his second chance for Australia the next season against the West Indies, where he picked up five wickets for the match.

The South African-born bowling allrounder began his professional cricketing journey with Queensland’s Under-19 side in 2008-09. It didn’t take too long for him to represent the state in the Marsh Shield and One-Day Cup, making his debut in 2010-11.

Neser continued to make headlines thanks to the Big Bash League for the Adelaide Strikers – going on to play a crucial part in the club’s inaugural title victory.

2018 saw him make his ODI debut at the Oval, followed by one more game in the same series against England.

Over the 2018-19 summer Neser established himself as a Dukes ball specialist with 33 wickets, along with remarkable batting figures of 481 runs at 43.72.

And he took his game to a new level in the 2022-23 summer, taking 47 wickets at 17.31, in addition to his 381 runs (including a century). 

Neser was part of the touring party for both the 2019 and 2023 Ashes tours, however due to the strength of Australia's attack, he didn't play a Test in either series.