Marcus Harris, the opening batsman, was added to the Test squad as announced by Cricket Australia (CA) for the first Test which will be a day-night affair at Adelaide.
Marcus Harris was drafted into the squad as a late inclusion after openers David Warner and Will Pucovski were ruled out for injuries and subsequently becoming unavailable for the first test.
Marcus Harris Been In Outstanding Form For Victoria And Played Both Tour Games: Trevor Hohns
Marcus Harris has played only 9 tests representing Australia in the longer format and was in the squad who retained the Ashes in England last year. He scored 355 runs averaging 118.33 in two Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria this season, highlighted by a brilliant 239 against South Australia.
“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,” National Selector Trevor Hohns was quoted as saying in an official release.’
Marcus Harris played 9 tests and scored 385 runs averaging 24.06. In first-class cricket, he played 98 matches and averages 39.14. He debuted in 2018 against India at Adelaide and played his last test in September 2019 against England. He will possibly open with Joe Burns who isn’t in a form in the 1st Test.
Trevor Hohns: Disappointed For David Warner And Will Pucovski Both Of Whom Will Be Unavailable For 1st Test
David Warner, who is in great form in international matches in both tests and limited-overs, suffered a groin injury and had injured his adductor muscle while fielding during the second ODI against India at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
Will Pucovski was concussed while batting for Australia A in 2nd innings receiving a blow in helmet off Kartik Tyagi bouncer in the tour match against India at Drummoyne Oval last week. Both batsmen will now target a return to the Australian team for the 2nd test – the Boxing Day Test.
“At the same time, we are disappointed for David and Will that they will not be available for the first Vodafone 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,” he added.
India and Australia clash in the first Test at Adelaide Oval, beginning December 17 which will be the only match where Virat Kohli will be seen in action. The contest will be played under lights as it is a pink-ball Test-India’s first overseas one.