Australian pacer Ryan Harris has pleaded with the team management to retain him for the fourth and final cricket Test against India amid speculation that one fast bowler will be dropped to make space for off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
Published: Jan 18, 2012, 11:42 AM (IST)
Edited: Jan 18, 2012, 11:42 AM (IST)
With pace spearhead Peter Siddle refusing to take a break, the Australian selectors need to decide between Ryan Harris and Mitchell Starc for the fourth Test at Adelaide © Getty Images
Adelaide: Jan 18, 2012
Australian pacer Ryan Harris has pleaded with the team management to retain him for the fourth and final cricket Test against India amid speculation that one fast bowler will be dropped to make space for off-spinner Nathan Lyon.
With pace spearhead Peter Siddle refusing to take a break, the choice is between Harris and Mitchell Starc. Harris has just returned to international cricket after four months on the sidelines due to injury problems.
“Sidds wants to play. We are pretty keen to win the series 4-0,” Harris said.
“It is probably out of me and Starcy to miss out of the bowling group. It is very competitive these days,” was quoted as saying by Fox Sports.
Harris has appeared in only four Tests in five months because of hamstring and hip injuries.
“My argument if they want to rest me is that I have had three or four months off. I struggle with stop-starts. Once I am up and going, I have to make sure I do keep going,” he explained.
“I want to get that real strong feeling at the crease going in Adelaide and the only way I am going to do that is keep bowling and bowling.”
Harris said he also wants to assure selectors that he is not prone to constant breakdowns.
“I stood there on the last day in Perth and liked how good I felt,” he said.
“I got through a lot of overs, everything is good, no pain in my hip or anything.”
The 32-year-old, who is based in Queensland, said playing a Test match at his former home ground would be special.
“It would mean a lot to play again in Adelaide in front of family and friends. I have to pinch myself,” said Harris.
Harris’ mother Gai died of cancer five years ago and the pacer said it would be quite emotional for him to play at Adelaide Oval, where she would turn up to encourage him all the time.
“I think of her each time I am about to bowl, touch my chest where I have a tattoo of her,” he said.
“I think she would be proud. She used to watch me at Adelaide Oval.” (PTI)
