In-form Harris gets Aussie nod
PRODIGIOUS: OPENER AVERAGING 87.50 THIS SEASON
In-form opener Marcus Harris is set to make his Test debut after being picked yesterday in Australia’s squad for their first two Tests against India, with coach Justin Langer welcoming him “to the brotherhood”.
The 26-year-old, who smashed 250 not out against New South Wales last month and is the Sheffield Shield’s second-highest run-scorer, is expected to open the innings in Adelaide on December 6 alongside Aaron Finch.
Chris Tremain, Harris’ uncapped Victoria team-mate, was also included as part of the bowling line-up.
The squad is otherwise mostly unchanged from the one that drew one Test and lost the other against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates last month.
Usman Khawaja, who opened the batting on the UAE tour, was included but is yet to prove his fitness after knee surgery. If ready, he is set to bat at No 3.
Marnus Labuschagne, who played on the Pakistan tour, has been axed with middle-order batsman Peter Handscomb back in the frame after losing his place during last year’s Ashes series. He is up against Travis Head for the No 6 slot.
The bowling attack is spearheaded by Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Nathan Lyon, with either Tremain or Peter Siddle the fourth seamer.
Harris could not be ignored after a string of strong scores, averaging 87.50 so far this season, with former coach Darren Lehmann among those backing him.
It was current coach Justin Langer who described Harris at the start of the 2016/17 season as being “mediocre with flashes of brilliance” when the batsman left his native Western Australia for Victoria, where he has since flourished.
Harris said he was now on good terms with Langer, who was the coach of Western Australia at the time.
“He texted me before (the announcement) and said ‘Welcome to the brotherhood, you little bastard’,” Harris told reporters.
Fellow opener Matt Renshaw was again overlooked. He was close to a Test recall for the Pakistan series but suffered a concussion in a tour game and has since failed to impress.
Like Harris, Tremain earned a call-up after some stellar domestic performances, where he is the second highest wicket-taker this season.
“He has also been a consistent wicket-taker over the past two seasons, and thoroughly deserves his place,” said Hohns.
Australia play four Tests against India, starting in Adelaide, then on to Perth, Melbourne and Sydney. –