Ashes Selectors Rethinking Squad Decisions as Michael Neser Takes Stunning Hat-Trick in County Cricket

After Michael Neser’s spectacular hat trick in county cricket last night, the Ashes selectors may be rethinking their selection choices.

Even though Neser won the Sheffield Shield, the first two Ashes Tests were played without the player of the year.

Neser’s spectacular display of swing bowling for Glamorgan against Yorkshire did not dampen his prospects of a late Ashes call-up, despite the fact that Yorkshire’s pace trio of Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, Mitchell Starc, and Scott Boland would be difficult to dismantle.

With Yorkshire already trailing by 155 runs, Neser came around the wicket to the left-hander and trapped Dawid Malan lbw with a rather straight ball.

All-rounder George Hill was the second man out when Neser bowled him by coming back over the wicket to the right-hander and Hill shouldering arms to him, which caused the ball to move sharply off a fifth-stump line and knock off the bails.

Next, Neser left the best for last, as Test all-rounder Dom Bess tried to leave a ferociously in-swinging ball, similar to Hill’s delivery, which again cleaned up off-stump and sent Neser’s Glamorgan teammates into raptures.

He became the eleventh cricketer from Glamorgan to take a hat trick and the first to do so in the County Championship since Robert Croft in 2010.

Michael Neser’s Spectacular Performance Raises Questions for Ashes Selectors

Neser, reflecting on the day’s play, remarked, “Very firm ball to face straight up” while describing the delivery to Bess.

Before rain put an end to the game, Gamorgan had a 196-run lead, and Neser had finished the innings with 7-32 off of 11 overs.

Boland’s poor showing caused selectors to second-guess their choice to put him in the inaugural Ashes squad ahead of the red-hot Neser.

It’s unfortunate that I couldn’t make the team, but I have to look on the bright side,” Neser said to the press.

If I get called up, I’ll stop playing cricket and get ready to leave. Playing actual games is much more valuable than practicing bowling overs in the nets. From the perspective of the team, it’s for the best that I’m out there practicing and competing, ready to jump at any moment.

“To be selected for the Ashes team for the upcoming match would be a great honor.”

Steve Smith scored 30 runs in his first hit-out of the county season in Sussex, where he batted alongside Indian great Cheteshwar Pujara before being out lbw on a very close call.

Conclusion

Michael Neser’s remarkable hat-trick performance for Glamorgan has undoubtedly given the Ashes selectors a lot to ponder. Despite being left out of the initial squad, Neser’s exceptional display of swing bowling against Yorkshire showcased his undeniable talent and raised questions about the selection decisions. While the formidable pace attack of Cummins, Hazlewood, Starc, and Boland presents a formidable challenge, Neser’s impressive performance demonstrated his readiness and ability to contribute at the highest level. His seven-wicket haul and instrumental role in toppling Yorkshire for 106 have further emphasized his case for inclusion. 

Neser’s positive attitude, focused on playing games and staying prepared, reflects his determination to seize any opportunity that comes his way. As the selectors reconsider their choices, Neser’s performance serves as a timely reminder of his capabilities and the value he could bring to the Ashes squad. Meanwhile, Steve Smith’s return to county cricket saw him partner with Cheteshwar Pujara before a contentious lbw dismissal ended his innings.

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