Marcus Harris, another option among openers has been added to the Australian squad for the first Test against India. This happens after regular openers David Warner and Will Pucovski bot picked up injuries to the build-up to the first Test.
While Warner injured his adductor muscle in the field during the second ODI against India, Pucovski sustained a concussion while batting for Australia A in the first tour match against India at Drummoyne Oval last week. Marcus Harris has played nine Tests for Australia and made his debut when India toured down under in 2018-19.
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Marcus Harris Roped in For Adelaide Test
Harris has been in good form in the recent Sheffield Shield matches which includes a 239 against South Australia. Australian selector Trevor Hohns spoke on the addition of Harris following injuries to their regular openers ahead of the first Test.
“Given the spate of injuries in recent weeks, we’re fortunate to be able to bring a player of Marcus’ calibre into the Test squad. “Marcus has been in outstanding form for Victoria this season and has had the benefit of facing India’s bowlers in both three-day tour matches at Drummoyne and under lights at the SCG” said Hohns.
He further lamented on the untimely injuries to David Warner and Will Pucovski. However, Trevor Hohns is hopeful that they will be back for the Boxing Day Test starting December 26.
“At the same time, we are disappointed for David and Will that they will not be available for the first Test. We have taken a conservative approach in managing Will since he sustained the concussion and hope he and David will be back to full health ahead of the Boxing Day Test” added Hohns.
Australia suffered two more injury scares on Saturday in the second warm-up game against India. Cameron Green and Harry Conway were also ruled out of the ongoing second tour match after taking concussion blows. While Green was immediately substituted after taking a blow on the head from a Jasprit Bumrah shot, Conway showed sins of the same later in the day.
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