Injury blow as Test candidate Michael Neser limps from the field after blitzing India A's top order
Updated . First published at
Australian fast bowler Michael Neser left the field injured late in India A's first innings on Thursday afternoon after tearing apart the tourists' top order.
Neser pulled up short immediately after bowling the first ball of his 13th over before hobbling off the MCG turf and towards the race. The 34-year-old reportedly injured his left hamstring.
He was unable to continue in the field and appears unlikely to bowl for the remainder of the second tour match.
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Michael Neser of Australia A pulls up short after bowling. Darrian Traynor via Getty Images
There is now doubt over whether Neser will be fit if required through the upcoming five-Test series against India.
The paceman was earlier denied a first-over hat-trick but exited the first innings with four wickets already to his name. He will undergo scans on Friday.
Neser needed just three deliveries to make his first breakthrough. He combined with Scott Boland to have India scrambling at 4-11 after just 16 balls.
India A was bowled out for 161 runs after tea.
Wicketkeeper batter Dhruv Jurel scored almost half his side's runs with 80 from 186 balls, including two massive sixes.
Australia all-rounder Beau Webster claimed 3-19 while veteran seamer Boland finished with 1-51.
Contenders for Australia's vacant top-order spot in Australia's Test team are at the crease with Nathan McSweeney and Marcus Harris having opened Australia A's innings.
McSweeney and Harris had been pitted against each other at the top of the order as a final audition ahead of the announcement of the Australian Test squad next week.
Largely touted as the pick of the bunch, McSweeney was dismissed by India A's opening bowler Mukesh Kumar for 14.
The South Australian skipper fell into a trap, edging a delivery from Mukesh Kumar to KL Rahul at second slip.
Harris was then joined in the middle by another candidate, Cameron Bancroft, who was removed for three to seemingly end his campaign.
Stumps were called early on the first day as rain delayed play.
Harris remains on 26 not out from 42 balls alongside Sam Konstas who is unbeaten on one.
