Harris near tears as Test dream comes true
CRICKET: Marcus Harris was almost moved to tears at Adelaide Oval, having achieved his childhood dream by receiving a Baggy Green from former Test batsman Mike Hussey.
Justin Langer enlisted the help of fellow West Australian Hussey, who played 79 Tests, to usher Harris into international cricket yesterday.
There were no shortage of legends and former captains available but Hussey was a sentimental choice when it came to the ritual welcome for the nation’s 456th male Test cricketer.
Harris sealed his Test call-up with an unbeaten 250 for Victoria at the MCG in October but the opener started his first-class career with Western Australia.
“He actually presented me my WA hat as well, (it’s) pretty special,” Harris said.
“It’s a bit surreal. It was great to have the family out here, I looked at them and I nearly started crying.”
Hussey gave a brief speech to Australia’s huddle before players started warming up for day one of Australia’s first Test against India.
Hussey revealed it was nerve-racking moment. a “All I said was he’s done very well for Victoria. He doesn’t need to do anything different, he just needs to keep playing his way and that’s going to give him success at this level,” he said.
Virat Kohli’s decision to bat meant Harris officially started his career at bat-pad, rather than opening the batting alongside Aaron Finch.