Ricky Ponting, an Australian great, has backed the inclusion of Michael Neser in Australia’s squad for the ICC World Test Championship final, but would use another pacer in the decider against India.
Australia will face India in the ICC World Test Championship final, which will take place at the Oval on June 7. All-rounder Neser is another fast-bowling option for Australia, but he must first be added to their 15-man WTC squad, which must be confirmed by Sunday, May 28.
The 33-year-old Neser has staked his claim for a spot in the WTC final squad after an outstanding County Championship run in which he has taken 19 wickets and scored 311 runs in five matches.
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Neser has only played two Tests for Australia, both at the Adelaide Oval in 2021 and 2022, but is a late call-up to the WTC final squad as Josh Hazlewood (side) and Marsh (adductor) return from injury.
Ricky Ponting’s predicted Australia XI (if Hazlewood is unfit):
Usman Khawaja, David Warner, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Cameron Green, Alex Carey, Mitchell Starc, Pat Cummins (c), Nathan Lyon, Scott Boland