Michael Neser’s delivers a timely reminder to Australia’s selectors with stunning HAT-TRICK

Amidst all the buzz about the ethics of Steve Smith’s first foray into the County Championship this week, another Australian has performed a much more subtle pre-Ashes fine-tuning.

Michael Neser was not named in Australia’s 17-man squad for next month’s first two Tests against England, but has been told by chief selector George Bailey to be prepared for the final three when the tourists re-evaluate their staff.

Significantly, therefore, the first of those three games is at Headingley, where Glamorgan’s Neser had never played a first-class game until his spectacular appearance a few days ago.

The 33-year-old immediately showed he was a thoroughbred for this particular course in Leeds with a hat-trick in the best numbers of his career of seven for 32 as Yorkshire folded to just 106 in perfect seam and swing conditions.

Lingering doubts over Josh Hazlewood’s fitness after an Achilles tendon strain mean a call-up could come sooner, but the reigning Sheffield Shield player of the year plans to be ready for the oven when he gets straight into the heat being pushed off the Ashes.

Neser (pictured here playing for Glamorgan against Yorkshire in 2021) finished with a best of seven for 32 as Yorkshire folded to 106 all out

“I would love to be part of that squad, but Bails [George Bailey] was very clear where I stood and the scenarios I could get into,” Neser told Mail Sport.

“He sort of encouraged me to keep going because a spot could open up and if it comes up at least I have games under my belt.

“I don’t know if I’m next in line, but I’ll raise my hand if something comes up.”

Neser was a non-playing member of Australia’s touring side here four years ago and has developed his skills bowling the Duke’s ball on British pitches on either side of his test debut in the 2021-22 Ashes.

His previous five-wicket haul in the Championship was also against Yorkshire two years ago – on that occasion at Cardiff he failed to convert a hat-trick opportunity – among a hugely impressive first-class record here of 72 casualties at 21.65 runs each.

So what have three seasons with the Welsh County taught a bowler who is fast enough rather than expressing himself in terms of pace and very much in the traditional sailor form?

‘There are a few things.

“Obviously you can get so many different conditions here in England,” Neser continued.

The 33-year-old Quick has been left out of Australia’s squad for the first two Ashes Tests

Neser said he hopes he can convince Australian chairman selector George Bailey to give him a chance at some point in the upcoming series

Australia has doubts over the fitness of Josh Hazlewood, who continues to struggle with a lingering Achilles tendon injury suffered during January’s series against South Africa

“One day we rock up and it thrashes and sways but then the sun can come out and it stops swinging and the field can seem pretty flat and fun to hit so you have to go through the tempos with the bat and with knowing when to hold the ball and when to attack.

“I think length is key because once you’re out it can be a pretty easy place to score runs, especially square because your blocks are so big here and the ball hurtles off.

‘So consistency is important.’

If Neser maintains that particular discipline, don’t rule out making an equally dramatic entrance from the podium left to that of his Queensland and Glamorgan teammate Marnus Labuschagne halfway through the 2019 series.