Marcus Harris has declared he is ready for a recall to Test cricket after striking an 11th-hour half-century for Australia A to muddy the selection waters, as worries mount over the form of the country’s senior batters heading into the series against India. Australia’s stunning collapse in the one-day international against Pakistan has left national selectors with concerns in almost every position in the top six just a fortnight out from the start of the first Test. Marcus Harris scored a vital half-century at the MCG.
Credit: Getty Images Steve Smith and Marnus Labuschagne will head into their short break without the big score either were shooting for, while Travis Head and Mitch Marsh – both on paternity leave – will not have played a competitive game in over a month. On top of it all, no clear-cut winner has emerged from the great Australian bat-off between Harris and Nathan McSweeney. Chief selector George Bailey will name a 13-player Test squad, possibly as early as Saturday, though the identity of Usman Khawaja’s opening partner may not be known until after players head into camp on Monday week and net form can be assessed.
Harris and McSweeney are set for one last on-field duel, with a small run chase looming this weekend for Australia A in their game against India A, who were 5-73 at stumps on the second day with a lead of 11. Rarely has red ink been so important for a career in the baggy green. India A bowler Mukesh Kumar celebrates the wicket of Nathan McS.