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Neser's injury sees state teammate called up for Pakistan tour

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16th February, 2022
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Michael Neser’s side strain has seen Queensland teammate Mark Steketee called up for Australia’s Test tour of Pakistan.

Neser, who made his Test debut against England in Adelaide this summer, suffered the injury while bowling during Monday’s Marsh Cup match against NSW at the Gabba.

He reportedly injured himself in the warm-up between innings, managing only two deliveries with the new ball before limping from the field.

“It’s bad luck for Michael and we’re hoping he makes a speedy recovery,” Bulls coach Wade Seccombe told cricket.com.au.

While a blow to the 31-year old’s chances of adding to his solitary cap, Steketee’s inclusion has him in line for his own baggy green, having been named in the squad for Australia’s aborted tour of South Africa 12 months ago.

Steketee, 28, has enjoyed a landmark summer in the Sheffield Shield, claiming 29 wickets at an average of 16.31, including a five-wicket haul against the Blues only last week.

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Named in an Australia A XI against the England Lions in November last year, the Queenslander has moved to the fringes of the Test set-up in recent years.

However, he remains only an outside chance of receiving a baggy green cap on the tour, with Australia naming a battalion of fast bowlers including established stars Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood as well as Ashes hero Scott Boland.

Leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson, another Queenslander, could also be named alongside Nathan Lyon should conditions suit.

Steketee will play one further Sheffield Shield match, against Victoria at the Junction Oval starting on Friday, before joining the Test squad as they depart.

Mark Steketee celebrates after taking five wickets.

Mark Steketee celebrates after taking five wickets during day two of the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland and New South Wales. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)

Concerns over COVID-19 and the uncertainty of conditions in Pakistan have seen Australia name an 18-man squad, with further cautious measures taken after Neser’s injury blow.

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NSW quick Sean Abbott and South Australian paceman Brendan Doggett – who started his first-class career in Queensland as well before heading to the Redbacks for further opportunities – have been placed on standby should more misfortune strike. However, Abbott is only just returning from a side strain of his own.

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In better news on the injury front, Steve Smith is expected to travel to Pakistan despite suffering a concussion in Australia’s thrilling second T20I victory over Sri Lanka on Sunday evening.

The first Test of the series is set to begin in Karachi on March 4.

>>Head here for Australia’s full Test schedule for the tour of Pakistan

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