Michael Neser made his Test debut after Pat Cummins came in close contact with a COVID-19 positive case.
Michael Neser made his Test debut for Australia in the second Ashes Test match on Thursday (December 16). The South Africa-born was given the Baggy Green by the Australia great Glenn McGrath ahead of the match.
Neser's unexpected debut was due to Australia's newly appointed Test skipper Pat Cummins missing out on the pink-ball Test after being identified as a close contact of a COVID-19 case.
Cummins posted a tweet to welcome Neser to Test cricket and he also expressed his disappointment on missing the second Test match. "Gutted to miss this Test but really excited to see Neser finally get his chance in the baggy green.
"He has done the hard yards and is a seriously skilful player. Super frustrating but COVID has thrown us all some curve balls over the last couple of years. Will be cheering along!", he tweeted.
Australia had earlier named Jhye Richardson as the replacement of injured Josh Hazlewood for the Day-Night Test. Neser was also in contention with Richardson to replace Hazlewood but the latter made it to the playing eleven. However, Cummins' misfortune opened the doors for Neser's Test debut.
In the absence of Cummins, Steve Smith is leading the team for the first time since the ball-tampering scandal in 2018. Travis Head has been named vice-captain for the second Test.