Ryan Harris ready to shoulder five-Test Ashes workload

Sport360 staff 11:08 28/06/2015
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  • Ryan harris has been plagued by knee problems in recent years.

    Ryan Harris has declared himself fit for Australia’s Ashes series after 15 months battling knee problems, claiming “I’m here to play five Tests”.

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    Paceman Harris grabbed two wickets in a 16-over spell against Kent at Canterbury yesterday, that he believes sets him up for the Ashes opener in Cardiff on July 8.

    The 35-year-old admitted he understands why Darren Lehmann dubbed him “short of a gallop” earlier this week, but is still out to convince his coach he should be in Australia’s XI at Sophia Gardens.

    “My knee gets sore but my body itself feels really good,” said Harris. “I don’t feel I’ve bowled many overs at all, which I haven’t felt in a long, long time. To grab a couple of wickets and some rhythm was very satisfying.

    “Everyone should be fighting for those Test spots. I haven’t thought too much about it: I’m here to play five Tests and I want to play as much as I can.

    “I’m just here to try to get some rhythm, get some wickets and make it hard for the selectors to pick a bowling group for that first Test.

    “Hopefully, I’m in it, but if I’m not then someone else is doing a better job and hopefully, we’re winning Tests and that’s the way it goes.

    “I think I’m pretty good, but Darren was probably correct in saying what he did because I haven’t had too many games, and it’s hard to simulate this match intensity.

    “It was quite sore on Friday night but I came out this morning and bowled and I’m doing that quite well. It didn’t stop me from bowling and that’s good, and it’s only going to get better.”

    Harris, the leading wicket taker in the 2013 Ashes series, missed Australia’s recent West Indies tour Raring to go: Ryan Harris. due to the birth of his child.

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