Michael Neser Delivers Dream Boxing Day Performance as Australia’s Unlikely Ashes Hero

The 35-year-old, Michael Neser, who once wasn’t sure he’d ever return to Test cricket, produced a performance Australia desperately needed first with the bat, then with the ball on an incredible opening day at the MCG.

Australia were rocked early and bundled out for just 152, but Neser top-scored with a crucial 35 from 49 balls. His innings dragged Australia closer to a competitive score on a surface that demanded patience and nerve.

Neser was on a roll with the ball in hand, and he took 4/ 45 and broke the top order of the England team. Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, and Ben Stokes were all dismissed as England fell to 110 all out, one of the rare 20-wicket days in the Ashes.

Having sustained a serious hamstring injury and not being included in the 15-man squad of the Perth team, he was only given an opportunity after the injury to Josh Hazlewood and Sean Abbott. It was also his maiden red-ball Test at the MCG, and the ambiance shocked him.

"I didn't know if I was going to be playing for Australia again, and to be in the position I am now, I'm very privileged," Neser said… "It's unreal… Gives me goosebumps just thinking about it," said Neser. 

Years of Sheffield Shield experience helped him read the tricky MCG surface perfectly. He stayed aggressive while batting but disciplined with the ball.

"The ball definitely nipped around a bit there with the new rock," he explained. "…when we bowled, we had just to be patient and let the wicket do the work."