Upstairs, Michael Neser proved the matchwinner and most outstanding player. He was at his magnificent best as he flummoxed England’s batting line-up with an incredible five-wicket haul, stunning England’s top order. He won India’s first match with an astounding bowling performance, taking three key wickets. This accomplishment cements his place as an integral component for the Australian national squad.
Neser particularly rose to the occasion and took the crucial wicket of Ben Stokes. Stokes was looking solid at the crease, nonchalantly accumulating 50 runs. Stokes’ one to a very acute angle off the bat, superbly caught by Steve Smith. This wicket broke an important fourth-wicket partnership worth 108 in four hours between Stokes and Will Jacks. It was a marker of Neser’s skill in swinging the momentum back into Australia’s favour.
It was Neser’s first five-wicket haul in Test cricket, a big landmark for the fast bowler. His electrifying performance on this special day highlighted how special of a talent he was. It ignited fears over his long-term place in the team ahead of the third Test in Adelaide. With Pat Cummins due back from injury and Nathan Lyon hoped to be rejoining the squad, too. This will increase the competition for spaces and makes Neser’s success all the more impressive.
Perhaps more than any other bowler during the match, Neser was a master of control and consistency. More importantly, he managed to persuade Steve Smith to overturn an LBW decision given against Gus Atkinson. This play drew out his bionic tactical mind on the field. Only two balls after taking Jacks’ wicket, Neser thought he had another scalp, illustrating the Aussie ace’s never-say-die mentality in pursuit of wickets.
As the day went on, Neser’s bowling made ever more headway. He took a critical four-wicket haul, leaving Australia within reach of a crucial second innings. Commentators hailed his performance, lauding its historic importance in light of the match’s backdrop.
“Degree of difficulty: off the charts! That is as good as you’ll see.” – Trent Copeland
Ricky Ponting lauded Neser’s performance, noting the challenging nature of one particular delivery that “absolutely flew off a length.” He remarked that it was a delivery that “just did too much” and bounced excessively high, making it difficult for batsmen to handle.
“That’s a nasty delivery – absolutely flew off a length,” – Ricky Ponting
It is Neser’s ability to create pressure and take key wickets that has made him a player to watch. His return to form finds him in with a great shot of taking a place in the squad. Building on the lessons from London, Australia is preparing for further pitches on home soil.
