Selectors look set to tap Harris for debut

MARCUS Harris is ready to make his Test debut at Adelaide Oval tomorrow, barring a last-minute rethink from Australia’s selectors.

Harris has been locked in a selection showdown with Peter Handscomb since the 14man squad was named, with the pair battling over the final spot in Australia’s XI to play India in the Test series opener.

Harris, the only specialist first-class opener in the squad, who sealed his call-up with an unbeaten 250 at the MCG, has always been the frontrunner.

It remains the case despite Handscomb impressing at the Gabba last week.

Harris shared a net with Aaron Finch on Monday, having previously opened with his state teammate in the Big Bash League but not the Sheffield Shield, then worked on his batpad catching during yesterday’s marathon training session that lasted more than three hours.

The least experienced player in the side is generally asked to field under the lid.

The stage is set for Harris, who left Justin Langer’s mentorship at Western Australia and joined Victoria in 2016, to become the nation’s 456th male Test cricketer.

Mike Hussey hopes the chosen XI get the chance to prove they belong this summer, urging selectors to pick and stick.

“You just need to be patient with good players,” Hussey said.

“Look at someone like Travis Head. He showed some good signs in the UAE and it’d be a real blow to his confidence and mindset if they just punted him straight away.

“If you’ve identified somebody as one of the best players in the country then just stick with them for a while, unless there’s someone in the level below just hammering the door down.