Photo Credit: Adelaide Strikers
Neser’s long run with the Strikers comes to an end as he signs to play with Brisbane Heat.
Adelaide Strikers wish Michael Neser all the best in his move to the Heat ahead of BBL|11 and thank the popular paceman for the joy he has given fans and staff throughout nine seasons in blue.
Neser finishes as one of the greatest Strikers to ever take the field, with his return of 62 wickets from 62 games seeing him sit second all-time in both categories, with only prodigious spinner Rashid Khan topping his wicket tally. Neser will forever be a Championship player for the Strikers, having opened the bowling alongside Travis Head in the BBL|07 Final, helping guide the Club to its maiden title in front of a captivated home crowd.
An integral part of the Strikers’ Championship victory, Neser made 11 appearances during BBL|07 and collected 13 wickets to be the tournament’s sixth highest wicket-taker. It was yet another strong season in a long line of consistent performances from the affable allrounder, who in BBL|03 was named the Strikers Most Valuable Player on the back of superb performances with both bat and ball.
With Neser and his partner Olivia expecting their first child, the decision to sign with hometown Brisbane is one that has been taken with family at the forefront. A top-quality person with a huge heart, Neser leaves a lasting legacy in Adelaide and spoke passionately about his time as a Striker.
“I am so thankful to everyone involved at the Strikers for their friendship and support throughout my time in Adelaide. It has been a pleasure to represent such a wonderful city and I will forever cherish our BBL|07 Championship win.
“The fans have been amazing from day one and I can’t wait to play at Adelaide Oval again in front of the incredible crowd.
“While it is sad that my time with the Strikers has come to an end, I am excited to have the opportunity to remain closer to home while my partner and I prepare to welcome our first child. Again, thank you to everyone who has supported me as an Adelaide Striker.”
Strikers Head Coach Jason Gillespie was effusive in his praise of Neser and the impact he has had on the Strikers family.
“We thank Ness for everything he has done for the Adelaide Strikers and wish him and his family all the best as they grow their family in Queensland.
“I cannot speak highly enough about how Ness has conducted himself as an Adelaide Striker and his respect for the franchise, his teammates and coaches when he approached us about going home. Ness is always very welcome at Adelaide Oval. I wish him all the very best with his move back to the Heat.
“Ness has been an outstanding person and player for us, and he will always be remembered as a Championship player and great person.”
Name of Author: Adelaide Strikers
The Adelaide Strikers are an Australian professional Twenty20 cricket team based in Adelaide, South Australia, competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Established in 2011, they succeeded the Southern Redbacks, who played in the now-defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash. The Strikers play their home games at the Adelaide Oval and wear a cornflower blue uniform.
