Pacer Michael Neser was recalled into the Australia Test side for the upcoming two Tests in New Zealand as Cricket Australia unveiled a strong 14-member squad on February 9, 2024.

Neser's inclusion in the 14-player squad is the only notable change to Test personnel from recent home series against Pakistan and West Indies and comes with a couple of other pace-bowling options currently nursing injuries.

Lance Morris, who was part of Australia's Test set-up, suffered a side strain during West Indies ODIs, while Jhye Richardson also has a side strain that will sideline him for up to six weeks.

Neser and Scott Boland will be the backup pace options to the leading fast bowling trio of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood.

“It’s great to see Michael Neser get another opportunity in the squad following his ever-consistent performances over a long period of time and the conditions we expect. We expect this tour will be a tough challenge against a very strong side who have been so consistent at home for a long period of time,” said chief selector George Bailey.

Neser has played just two Tests – both at Adelaide Oval when skipper Cummins was absent but was a regular member of Australia's Test squad from 2019 to 2022.

Australia will play three T20Is and two Tests in New Zealand. The T20Is will be played on February 21, 23, and 25 in Wellington and Auckland respectively.

The two Tests will be played in Wellington from February 29 and Christchurch from March 8.

Australia Test squad: 

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Mitchell Marsh, Michael Neser, Matthew Renshaw, Steve Smith (VC), Mitchell Starc

Australia T20 squad:

Mitchell Marsh (c), Pat Cummins, Tim David, Nathan Ellis, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Glenn Maxwell, Matt Short, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Marcus Stoinis, Matthew Wade, David Warner, Adam Zampa

(Cricket Australia inputs)