BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 25: Michael Neser of the Bulls bowls during day one of the Sheffield Shield match between Queensland Bulls and New South Wales Blues at The Gabba on October 25, 2016 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Chris Hyde/Getty Images)
Australia have reportedly released Michael Neser from their Test squad to play South Africa on Boxing Day.
Cricket Australia are yet to confirm the news, however, it's understood the quick will be sent back to the Big Bash League where he will play for the Brisbane Heat in the coming days.
Neser played in the second Test of the summer against the West Indies in Adelaide, but was then dropped from the XI for the first Test against South Africa, with Pat Cummins returning from injury.
Scott Boland is likely to makeway for the second Test against Proteas at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Boxing Day, with Josh Hazlewood also due to return, although there is a train of thought that suggests Boland may be retained on the back of excellent form and his Boxing Day Test extravaganza against England last year.
Both Boland and Hazlewood are likely to be named in the squad in the coming day or so, before captain Pat Cummins, chief selector George Bailey and coach Andrew McDonald make their call on the playing XI, who will look to wrap up not only the series against South Africa, but a likely spot in the World Test Championship final, to be held in England during June.
Neser, who was retained in the squad for the Gabba test but didn't play, has played just two Tests, but has taken 7 wickets at an average of 16.71 in those games.
The South African-born quick took 2 for 34 and 3 for 22 in the two innings against the West Indies, but now could find himself in teal for the Brisbane Heat as soon as Friday evening when they host the Adelaide Strikers.