'What a spell': Qld bowler's insane feat lights up Sheffield Shield
Queensland paceman Michael Neser has stolen the spotlight against South Australia, with an astonishing spell of bowling in their Sheffield Shield clash in Brisbane.
Neser suffocated South Australia on the opening morning of the match at the Gabba with a devastating display of bowling that left the Redbacks teetering at 5-55 at lunch.
The accurate quick took 3-6 from nine overs in the first session, as the Redbacks were sent crashing back to earth following a run-fest against Victoria in the opening round.
Henry Hunt chopped the fourth ball of the innings onto his stumps, before Neser dismissed a flashing Jake Lehmann also without scoring.
Incredibly, at one stage Neser had three wickets for no runs off 41 balls before the Redbacks were finally able to score off the Bulls quick.
Neser was almost unplayable, boasting figures of 3-2 before conceding four runs in his final over before lunch.
Also a handy batsman, Neser narrowly missed a Test debut during the tour of England but has started the domestic season strongly, dismissing both Steve Smith and David Warner in the second innings of their Shield opener.
Neser's extraordinary feats with the ball had fans singing his praises on social media, with many tipping a Test call-up for the swing bowler.
Michael Neser's first 41 balls:
Wickets = 3
Maidens = 6
Runs = 0@MarshGlobal | #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/tCdA3psbRE— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) October 18, 2019
We have to find a spot for Micheal Neser in the test side. Outstanding swing bowler and can hold up a end with the bat. Is in outstanding form. #testcricket #marshcup @cricketcomau @qldcricket
— Dan (@running_punter) October 18, 2019
What a spell
🔥🔥🔥 Neser— JaayShaan(Shankar) (@JaayShaan) October 18, 2019
Cracking first session for the Bulls. Neser is in some sort of form. #SheffieldShield
— Michael (@mascott51) October 18, 2019
Michael Neser's morning - 3/6 (9)...wow
— Ryan Hartwig (@Hyan_Rartwig) October 18, 2019
#SheffieldShield #qldvSA #cricket @qldcricket
Michael Neser had 3 for 0 to start the morning! Amazing.
They scored a single so now has 3-1. Not bad! 👏 pic.twitter.com/tEliIGuPlQ— Zeus Sport 🏏🏉 (@Zeus66sport) October 18, 2019
OUT! Michael Neser now has 3/0 trapping Weatherald lbw for 25. Amazing spell of bowling. South Australia are now 4/37 #SheffieldShield #QLDvSA pic.twitter.com/drWlcKlmQK
— Cricket Central (@cricketcentral) October 18, 2019
Neser with 9 Overs 3/6 😱 #SheffieldShield pic.twitter.com/7INpPOetBM
— Jacob Thompson (@jthompson____) October 18, 2019
Vying for a Test berth, Travis Head disappointed with for a 25-ball duck before Neser had Jake Weatherald (25) lbw for his third wicket of the first session.
The dagger came on the stroke of lunch when Alex Carey (14) was bowled, strangely trying to sweep a straight Marnus Labuschagne delivery.
Redbacks batsmen come crashing back to earth
The session was in stark contrast to the Redbacks' Shield opener in Victoria, where they piled on 6-671 in reply to the Bushrangers' 6-616 at a lifeless Junction Oval.
Tom Cooper (14) was not out at lunch for South Australia, having scored an unbeaten 271 against the Victorians.
Despite their horror start, the Redbacks were able to steady the ship as Cooper and Tom Andrews combined to see the South Australians past 100 runs without the loss of another wicket.
Fittingly though, it was Neser that broke the Redbacks' resolve in the afternoon, bowling Cooper out for a hard-fought 69 runs (off 100 balls).
Head's dismissal will not do him any favours while Neser's spell was a timely reminder of the Ashes tourist's effectiveness ahead of the first Test at the same venue next month.
Debutant quick Xavier Bartlett (0-10 from five overs) bowled with discipline while Cameron Gannon (1-22 from nine) was unlucky not to pick up another wicket.
Earlier, South Australia handed Wes Agar a debut while Bryce Street will also play his first game for Queensland, fresh off a triple century for the Bulls' second XI side.
With AAP