Former Australian cricketer Bryce McGain believes Michael Neser is the right man to replace injured bowler Josh Hazlewood in the second Ashes test in Adelaide.
With Day 1 set to start on Thursday, Australia is yet to announce Hazlewood’s replacement, with many thinking selectors will choose West Australian quick Jye Richardson.
Despite that, McGain believes Queensland’s Michael Neser is “ready to go" and make his debut for Australia having been named 12th man 14 times since September 2018.
The 31-year-old was at his best in last week’s Australia A clash with the English Lions, taking seven wickets in a dominant performance.
“I was lucky enough to commentate the Australia A game against the England Lions, and Michael Neser took five wickets in the first innings,” McGain said on SEN Mornings.
“I’ve said for two years, he’s international ready, he’s been doing it at domestic level, the level above that now is Australia A and he performed exceptionally well.
“On a pink ball test, there cannot be a better stage, he’s ready.
“He’s improved every other part of his game as well, he’s scored two centuries in the last two years for Queensland so he’s going to add to the lower order of the batting line-up.
“Now is the time to pick the guy who’s in form.
“Time to put him in.”
Australia takes a 1-0 series lead to Adelaide Oval after beating England by nine wickets in Brisbane.