Second Aussie injury blow in two days as fast bowler ruled out of Bangladesh Test series

Australia’s Test squad has suffered its second injury in two days, with fast bowler Michael Neser ruled out of the Top End series against Bangladesh, which begins next Thursday.

Neser suffered a right calf injury while training with the national team this week. He was set to be the next man in, filling a crucial role during a potential run of 21 Tests in 12 months, having failed to make the 13-player squad.

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But Neser will not be able to train or play for several weeks, giving him two months to recover before the three-Test tour of South Africa, where he was born and is expected to feature.

Pat Cummins’ side are gathered in Brisbane to get back in the swing of red ball cricket having not played the game’s longest format since the Sydney Test in early January, and concerns were raised at Allan Border Field on Monday as Josh Inglis left the ground with back spasms.

Inglis, who captained Australia’s white ball teams on the recent tour of Pakistan and Bangladesh and played two Tests in last summer’s Ashes series, has a history of back complaints. It’s hoped he will recover over the next few days and still be available for selection.

The West Australian made just eight in the centre-wicket practice session, but is not expected to play in Darwin with all-rounders Cameron Green and Beau Webster tipped to feature in the middle order alongside gloveman Alex Carey.

In promising signs for Australia’s batters, Marnus Labuschagne, who coach Andrew McDonald said needed runs in an interview last week, scored 62 before retiring to give others a hit.

While opener Jake Weatherald made 52 before Carey stumped him off the bowling of Nathan Lyon.

The off spinner nabbed three wickets in his return from a serious hamstring injury sustained in the Adelaide Test in December.

Australia’s fast bowling quartet of Cummins, Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Scott Boland all got ten overs under the belt.

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Players outside of Australia’s 13-man squad for the Bangladesh Tests in Darwin and Mackay also featured in the hitout.

Queensland’s Matt Renshaw opened the batting alongside Weatherald with Travis Head expected to take part on Tuesday.

While spinner Matt Kuhnemann bowled eight overs with an eye towards the tour of India early next year.

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