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Fleming tips Neser for UAE Test debut

The former Australia seamer thinks Michael Neser would be a good fit in the Test side

Former Australia paceman Damien Fleming has tipped Michael Neser to debut in next week's first Test against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates, while also expressing his surprise at the omission of Victoria quick Chris Tremain from the squad. 

Bulls seamer Neser was picked alongside spearhead Mitchell Starc for Australia's one-off tour match against Pakistan A, and while he took just one wicket, he bowled with impressive pace and accuracy, leaving coach Justin Langer to ponder a tight selection call between the 28-year-old and veteran paceman Peter Siddle for the second fast-bowling spot in the first Test in Dubai, beginning Sunday.

"(Neser) impressed us, he always does," Langer said. "He has a red-hot dip every time he plays, he's a good fielder, he's brilliant around the team. 

"We weigh up 211 Test wickets and a guy (Siddle) who's bowling really well, a real professional. He's been a veteran. The role he'd play with his experience, we (selectors) have got to talk really seriously about that."

How to correctly pronounce Michael Neser

Fleming, who debuted with seven wickets – including a hat-trick – in the similarly oppressive climate of Pakistan in 1994 and went on to play six Tests in Asia, said the Queenslander's skills were well-suited to the conditions. 

"Over there you want someone who swings it – you want to use the new ball for the two or three overs it (swings), and then use reverse swing," Fleming told cricket.com.au. 

"That might open the door for Michael Neser. 

"He bowls a cracking outswinger and with that whippy action it seems natural for reverse swing. He's also a gun fielder and bats really well. 

"People also say he's a cracking bloke and I think he might be the sort of guy 'Alfie' (Langer) likes."

Both Neser and Tremain performed strongly in the four-day matches of Australia A's recent tour of India, with the South African-born Bulls paceman ultimately getting the nod for the Test squad over his Victorian counterpart, who has been the standout quick in the Sheffield Shield for the past two seasons with 129 wickets at 20.39.

"I'm surprised Tremain didn't get picked, because he bowls a lot of reverse swing," Fleming said.  "Three (Shield) seasons with a lot of wickets and bowling a lot at the MCG. He's also quite hostile and can handle the bat."

Shield standout Tremain snares six

While Fleming was impressed with the qualities offered by young fast bowler Brendan Doggett, and suggested Peter Siddle should be in the frame for next year's Ashes in England, he feels Neser will best complement Starc. 

Starc only played one match in the two-Test series in the UAE four years ago, taking two wickets, but in somewhat similar conditions in Sri Lanka in 2016 he excelled, taking 24 wickets in three Tests – the most by an Aussie quick in a Test series in Asia. 

"Starc's one of those freakish bowlers who can take the pitch out of the equation, because of his speed, the angles he creates and his ability to swing the ball," Fleming added. "Even the inconsistencies in his release can make him a little bit ugly to face, so he'll be a regular wicket-taking threat over there."

 

Qantas Tour of the UAE

Australia Test squad: Tim Paine (c), Ashton Agar, Brendan Doggett, Aaron Finch, Travis Head, Jon Holland, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Peter Siddle, Mitchell Starc

Sep 29 - Oct 2: Tour match v Pak A, Dubai

Oct 7-11: First Test, Dubai

Oct 16-20: Second Test, Abu Dhabi


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