Ryan Harris urges selectors to back Peter Siddle for Test
Date November 13, 2014 - 10:27PM
Ryan Harris remembers what he did last summer. He can also remember what Peter Siddle did last summer, which is why he has urged Australian selectors to show faith in the fast-bowling trio that routed England during a one-sided Ashes.
The rumblings of change are on the horizon as the first Test against India approaches. Harris is racing the clock to be firing in time for the December 4 start date at the Gabba, while Siddle is under pressure to perform in the face of a strong challenge from Blues quick Josh Hazlewood.
Harris, 35, has started his comeback from knee surgery, a rehab so gruelling he admitted he toyed with retirement. His next Test will be in the Shield game against NSW starting on Sunday but believes he can return to his best in time for the first ball in Brisbane.
He has also thrown his support behind Siddle, who joined Harris and Mitchell Johnson in a three-pronged demolition of England. A poor two-Test series against Pakistan in the UAE (two wickets at 108) has prompted questions over his selection, while Hazlewood is seen as a long term prospect by key cricket stakeholders.
Harris said incumbents always welcomed pressure from aspirants but hoped the tried and tested quicks would be given first crack at the Indians, who will face a stern examination on a Gabba wicket that has proven to be a dream track for the home side for more than a quarter of a century.
"I'd love to see Sids in there. And that's nothing against Josh. I think it's great whether it's Josh or whoever else putting pressure on the guys in the team, that's exactly want we want. But I'd like ot see Sids in there.
"He's done so well over a number of years. I don't know his stats, to be honest. He might not have taken many wickets. But he still does a job at one end. If Mitchell is running in blasting guys out, Siddle is at the other end bowling dots. That's what people forget.
"I'd be very surprised if there's many changes. I'd like to see what we had last summer. It worked very well then. There's no reason it can't work this summer."
Off-season knee surgery had Harris back in the gym and back on the comeback trail. He said there were moments when he wondered if it was all worth it but quickly set his sights on taking on India, the ICC World Cup and next year's Ashes tour.
"I must admit, it's been tough getting back. It's been harder this time. It's been the hardest rehab I've had to go through mentally and even physically, questioning whether I can do it. Once I get to this stage, it's when I still really want to do it. That's the main thing," Harris said.
"I'd be lying if I said I didn't (think of retiring). It crossed my mind I'm 35. But the bottom line is I still want to play. I still think I've got something to give. The negative thought was probably knocked out pretty quickly by the positive thoughts.
"I'd love to make England. To have a chance to defend the Ashes, that would be great. It's a long way off."
Harris marks himself harder than anyone but will be an automatic pick for the opening Test if he finds form at the Gabba for Queensland next week. He was less than impressed with his bowling in a Futures League match but feels he is building into his season with every outing.
Still, the clock is ticking, meaning Harris wants to impress against the Blues to ensure he has one hand on a baggy green before the final cut is made. He wants to improve his line, as well as his pace.
"Boof (Lehmann) wants us bowling reasonable pace. If I'm bowling 130kms, 125, they're not going to pick me. I want to be able to make sure I get back to that form I had last year and in previous years," Harris said.
"I think I can do it. I've done it before. I've had five-and-a-half months out. The more I bowl, I feel like I'm improving. The more I bowl, especially in game conditions, I know I'll get better."
