How snubbed Aussie bowler Michael Neser made Steve Smith look silly at Lord’s before Ashes Test

Dumped Australian quick Michael Neser has been absolutely ‘unplayable’ in the nets at Lord’s before the second Test, getting the better of both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne.

Neser, 33, has been in blistering form in the County Championship and was unlucky to miss out on Ashes selection.

The genuine all-rounder has been impressing in English conditions, recently taking a stunning hat-trick in county cricket for Glamorgan and excelling with the bat.

Neser is also coming off an outstanding Sheffield Shield campaign, snaring 40 wickets at 16.67 and contributing 357 runs at 35.70 with the bat, including a century against New South Wales.

The Queenslander has been helping the Aussies prepare for the second Test, and by all accounts remains in superb form as the side’s bowling line-up for the clash remains up in the air.

Neser, who was very unlucky to be snubbed by selectors, beat both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne (pictured) several times 

Eagle-eyed cricket writer Bharat Sundaresan has been watching the side train and took to Twitter on Monday to sing his praises.

‘Four years on, Michael Neser is still unplayable in the Lord’s nets. Has beaten both Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne repeatedly & also had Smith bowled shouldering arms,’ he wrote.

Smith – who is currently rated the sixth-best batter in men’s cricket – is hardly ever bowled out without offering a shot, underlining how good Neser’s spell must have been.  

Several cricket fans expressed their annoyance that he hasn’t been called up to the squad.

‘He’s been right there for years & he can’t do anything more to get picked – I really can’t fathom how they keep ignoring Nes. He should just be in the team but selectors continue to refuse to pick best players,’ replied a Twitter user.

‘And unlike the other bowlers he can bat….but seriously he’s been doing Kasperowitz level things for Glamorgan. Much better than Labuschange,’ said another.

‘Get him in!… Somehow, not sure how… but GET HIM IN,’ replied a third.

‘It’s disappointing not to be part of that squad, but I’ve got to look at the positives,’ Neser told reporters before the first Test.

‘I’m playing cricket here [in the UK], and if I do get called up, I’ll be ready to go.

Neser has been in superb form in the County Championship and was unlucky to miss out on Ashes selection

Neser (pictured) is hopeful of being called up to the team in the back half of the Ashes tour

‘Having matches under my belt is far more important than bowling overs in the nets and not playing any games.

‘It would be a special moment if I was selected for the Ashes squad in the back half of the tour.’

The second Test gets underway on Wednesday June 28 at Lord’s.