Paceman Harris sets sights on Ashes selection
AUSTRALIA seamer Ryan Harris has declared his intention to play a full part in his side’s bid to retain the urn during this summer’s Ashes showdown with England.
Harris claimed two wickets as the tourists dismissed Kent for 294 in their second innings at Canterbury yesterday to post an emphatic 255-run win in the opening warm-up clash ahead of the Ashes, which start at Cardiff on 8 July.
Australia’s progress was slowed by Kent opener Daniel Bell-Drummond’s hundred, while part-time leg-spinner Steve Smith took three wickets. Touring batsmen Shaun Marsh, Smith and Mitchell Marsh all posted centuries during the match.
“I’m here to play five Tests and I want to play as much as I can. Everyone should be fighting for those Test spots,” said Harris. “To grab a couple of wickets and some rhythm was very satisfying.”
Harris, who skipped Australia’s tour of the Caribbean due to the birth of his first child, played an integral role alongside England’s chief tormentor Mitchell Johnson during the whitewash Ashes series of 2013-14, taking 22 wickets.
The 35-year-old, who has been battling knee injury for the past 15 months, was also Australia’s leading wicket-taker during the 2013 series.