Australia adds Ryan Harris for 2nd Test

by cricfan | December 29, 2011 at 07:00 pm

51 views | 1 Recommendation | 0 comments

Australia added paceman Ryan Harris to their 12-man squad for the SCG Test, as selectors weigh up the option of a four-man pace attack.

Harris, who is working his way back from a hip injury, was the only addition to the 11 that defeated India in the first Test at the MCG on Thursday.

He replaced left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, who was 12th man in Melbourne.
Australia's pace trio of James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus was crucial to the home side's win in Melbourne, snaring 19 wickets between them to limit India's strong batting line-up to a two-innings total of 451.

Harris could be used to aid their efforts in Sydney, with captain Michael Clarke saying Thursday that selectors would consider this possibility.

Allrounder Shane Watson was ruled out from returning for the second Test at the SCG, which starts on Tuesday, as he continues to recover from a calf injury.

It was uncertain when he would be ready to play.

"Shane has not fully recovered from his right calf injury and is therefore not available for the Sydney Test," team physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.

"He will continue his rehabilitation and hopefully be available for one of the remaining Test matches."

Harris was regarded as Australia's No.1 quick before his injury absence.

But the excellent performances of James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus in the first Test victory have cast doubt on whether Harris can dislodge one of the incumbents.

However, Australia captain Michael Clarke on Thursday said selectors would consider the possibility of playing four pacemen at the SCG, in which case offspinner Nathan Lyon would be dumped.

Watson's continued absence ensures the six batsmen from the MCG Test will be retained, although the strong performances of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey in Melbourne had already shored up their spots.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin is also on safe ground, despite his continued poor form.

Chairman of selectors John Inverarity said the team would take great confidence and momentum into the second Test and he welcomed Harris' return to the squad, after a four-Test absence.

"Ryan has had carefully monitored preparation, which has gone to plan," Inverarity said.

"Mitchell Starc and Daniel Christian, who were both in the squad for the first Test, have been omitted but remain very much in our thinking."

India, in the ascendancy over Australia as the second-ranked team, have failed in nine previous tours over 64 years to win a series Down Under.

Australia: Michael Clarke (captain), Brad Haddin (vice-captain), Ed Cowan, Ryan Harris, Ben Hilfenhaus, Michael Hussey, Nathan Lyon, Shaun Marsh, James Pattinson, Ricky Ponting, Peter Siddle, David Warner.