Australian team during the SCG Test in Ashes 2025/26 | PC- AFP
The list of injuries is increasing for Australia each day. As the world-beaters are preparing for the two-match Test series against Bangladesh, a key member of the Australian team has been ruled out even before the start of the series.
Earlier, Josh Inglis suffered a back spasm injury during the intra-squad practice match before the AUS vs BAN Tests, but head coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed the availability of the wicketkeeper for the first Test at Darwin.
However, Australia's pace depth has taken a hit, halting the hosts' preparation ahead of the massive series that is a part of the WTC 2025/27 cycle.
Michael Neser ruled out with calf injury before AUS vs BAN Tests
Having played five Test matches earlier, Michael Neser, who was a part of Australia's plan for the Bangladesh series, has sustained a calf injury while training with the Test squad in Brisbane.
Although the 36-year-old paceman wasn't part of the 13-member squad, he was considered a backup for Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood, who are coming in from rehabilitation.
Neser wasn’t slated to start in the Darwin Test starting on August 13, but his recent injury will prevent him from training or playing for several weeks. It has been said that he will take at least two months to recover before he can return to play before the Test series against South Africa later in October.
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The Queenslander has had a long history of injuries. Last-to-last summer, he was ruled out of the entire season after getting a serious hamstring injury against India A at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, before facing another calf injury while playing for Hampshire.
Australians resemble for the first time since Ashes triumph
For the touring Bangladesh team, who will be on the Australian shores for a Test series for the first time in 23 years, Australia have picked a 13-member squad, with Pat Cummins returning as captain after the Ashes triumph under Steve Smith's leadership.
Along with Cummins, Scott Boland, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc will be a part of the four-bowler pace attack. Whereas, legendary offie Nathan Lyon will complete the Australian bowling line-up. Both Cameron Green and Beau Webster have been included as all-rounders.
Additionally, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald will remain the vital cogs of their batting.
The Aussies are currently training in Brisbane as part of their hybrid intra-squad camp, while the team will attend the Australian Cricket Awards 2025/26 on Friday before they put on game face.
Who could CA add after Michael Neser's injury?
Although Michael Neser was not a part of the Australian squad for the Bangladesh Tests, the Cricket Australia will certainly look to add back-ups to strengthen their pace department.
Brendan Doggett, who played two Tests in the Ashes, can be an option. Meanwhile, NSW's Liam Hatcher and South Australian Nathan McAndrew could also be called up to join the team, after being among the top wicket-takers in the Sheffield Shield last summer.
Starting with the Tests against Bangladesh, it is going to be a hectic schedule in the longest format for the Aussies, as they are to play series against South Africa, New Zealand, India and England by the end of this season.
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