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Michael Neser's Test debut sums up 2021 with Pat Cummins ruled out as a COVID-19 close contact and the bowler's Baggy Green presentation streamed online.

Never before has a Test debut summed up an era like Michael Neser's.

Twenty-four hours earlier, Neser's long wait for a Baggy Green had been extended again when selectors opted for Jhye Richardson to replace Pat Cummins.

Then, out of nowhere Pat Cummins walked into a restaurant, said hello to someone on a table nearby and it later emerged the diner had COVID-19.

Cummins is so far not infected, but such is South Australia's rules he was considered a close contact and confined to his hotel for the next week.

The Neser news came too soon for the Queenslander's family to fly in and witness his first day of Test cricket.

So, in typical 2021 style, his cap presentation involving Test great Glenn McGrath was streamed live back to the Sunshine State from inside the circle.

McGrath made a point to remind Neser that debuts come in all shapes and sizes, and that his was well deserved.

"You get your opportunity for different reasons, there's no doubt about that," McGrath told the Seven Network.

"But you're there because of the work you've put in leading into this moment.

"The reason you got picked is because of the way you bowled. Just do exactly the same out in the middle and just enjoy it."

And on that, neither point could be argued.

Neser's debut ends one of the longest waits for a Baggy Green in the past decade.

Granted, others such as Callum Ferguson and Adam Voges had played more first-class games than Neser's 80 by the time they debuted.

But few have had to carry the drinks as many times, after spending the best part of three years in Australia's squad and been 12th man at least a dozen times.

In that time alone, Neser has averaged 32.75 with the bat in Sheffield Shield cricket and 21.06 with the ball.

The 31-year-old was Queensland's leading bowler in 2019-20 with 33 at 17.30, and the state's leading run-scorer the summer prior with 481.

"I'm really excited for him," stand-in captain Steve Smith said at the toss.

"He's worked his backside off for a long time, been 12th man a dozen times.

"He gets his opportunity, and we're all looking forward to playing with him this week. It's a great moment for him."