In what would come as a major relief for the Indian side, Australia’s Michael Neser has picked up an injury and is set to miss the first Test at Perth. The pacer has been in top-notch form before picking up the injury on Thursday during the 2nd Unofficial Test against India A at the iconic Melbourne Cricket ground. Neser was the pick of the Australian bowlers with four wickets to his name. He bowled comfortably before he felt some discomfort in his left hamstring. Cricket Australia (CA) has confirmed that Neser won’t take the field any further during the Test. The pacer had similar trouble in the last Sheffield Shield game he played for Queensland, after which he missed a One-Day Cup game.

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Meanwhile, India A was shot out for 161 on a spicy Melbourne wicket. 

India A were looking to bounce back from a crushing defeat in the first match in Mackay, which was marred by a controversial ball-tampering incident. Ruturaj Gaikwad ‘s team would have been eager to put on a better performance at the MCG. The BCCI on Wednesday confirmed that KL Rahul and Dhruv Jurel have been added to the India A squad for the second match.

At the time of filing the copy, Australia were 53 for two. Marcus Harris and Sam Konstas are in the middle. Khaleel Ahmed and Mukesh Kumar have picked up a wicket apiece. 

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“It’s never nice to see a guy go down mid-over with an injury,” said Beau Webster, who took 3-19 from nine overs.

“He’s amazing with what he does with the new ball – swings it, hardly bowls a bad ball and ran through the top order nicely today, which gave us the upper hand on the first day definitely.”