Michael Neser’s performance in the second Test of the current Ashes has left Australian batsman Marnus Labuschagne ecstatic. In the pink-ball Test, Neser, who had not played a Test in three years, managed to secure a six-wicket match haul.
Neser’s influence with the old ball in the second innings of England’s match, which kept them to a reasonable score, was praised by Labuschagne.
It was fantastic to watch him take five wickets with the old ball. I was thinking, ‘Man, I hope he gets his shot,’ at one point earlier in the season. “I think there were some nerves in the first innings, but to come out in the second innings and play that role, get a five-for, I was just so happy,” Labuschagne said, as reported by ICC. “I saw the writing on the wall there that there is potential and to be able to come and deliver.”
Labuschagne added that Neser is a fairly well-rounded cricket player and has more to give than just the ball.
“He just keeps delivering and delivering and we didn’t see the best of his batting either and I think that’s probably the exciting part as well is he’s got a lot to offer with not only the ball but that (batting) and his fielding,” he said.
Over the years, Neser has put in a lot of effort on the domestic circuit. In the Sheffield Shield in 2025, he claimed 29 wickets for Queensland in just 12 innings.
Neser was among Australia’s top performers during the day-night match in Brisbane. But Mitchell Starc’s eight wickets (6/75 and 2/64) and a brilliant 71 down the order earned him the title of Player of the Match. Adelaide will host the third Test starting on December 17.
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