Australia’s seam bowling all-rounder Michael Neser expressed satisfaction with the execution of the plan that led to Joe Root’s dismissal, calling it “one of those rare occasions where it actually came off.” On the second day of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Neser claimed four wickets, including that of Root, who scored 160—his 41st Test century.
“I haven’t bowled a bouncer to him in ages, and I think I might surprise him if I try to bowl a bouncer there. And it’s one of those rare occasions where it actually came off and worked. The chances don’t come very often, so you’ve got to try to take everything. I’ve always prided myself on catching,” Neser stated to reporters at the end of the day’s play.
Neser acknowledged that bowling to Root is challenging. “He’s a tricky one to bowl to, especially when he’s in that touch. Your margin of error is very small. He seems to manipulate the ball very well off the stumps. Even then, when you go a bit wider in the channel, he works you off down to third man so well. He’s a class player. That’s why he’s going to go down as one of the all-time greats,” he added.
By the end of the day, Travis Head’s unbeaten 91 from 87 balls had taken Australia to 166/2 in 34.1 overs, trailing England by 218 runs. Neser noted that Head is clear about his approach. “Knowing him from his younger days, he’s still figuring out his game, but at the moment, he seems really clear about what he’s doing. Every ball he’s looking to score. His hand-eye coordination is amazing. You think you’ve beaten him with the ball, and all of a sudden, he’s slapped you through point for four. We all love the way Travis bats because the scoreboard seems to move,” Neser remarked.
He concluded by commenting on the heated exchange between Marnus Labuschagne and England skipper Ben Stokes just before stumps. Stokes ultimately dismissed Labuschagne for 48. “He’s such a strong competitor that he can get under your skin,” Neser added.