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Injury-plagued former Test paceman Ryan Harris is hoping for a stint in English conditions this year in a desperate bid to make Australia’s Ashes squad.
Harris, who has played just two Sheffield Shield games for Queensland since shoulder surgery last year, will seek a county cricket contract if he is not part of an Australia A tour to the UK.
The 33-year-old, who has played 12 Tests, steamed back into contention for the Ashes with 6-58 in the first innings of Queensland’s Shield win over Western Australia in Perth.
Harris also chipped in with an unbeaten 54 in the Bulls’ second dig as they secured a place in the final against Tasmania beginning at Bellerive on Friday.
“For me, it’s just about getting fit and playing cricket again … getting through this week, the last two games which I’ve done, get through the IPL which is more cricket,” he told reporters in Hobart.
“If things go well and I’m bowling well enough, then they’ll pick me.
“If not, I’ll come home and hopefully watch us win it.”
Harris said he was waiting to hear from the Australian hierarchy before committing to a county club.
“If I’m not in (the Australia A squad), that’s something I’m definitely considering, to keep playing cricket and obviously to get used to the conditions if I’m needed,” he said.
“I’ve had a couple of conversations with a couple of counties but it’s obviously hard for them because I can’t give a definite answer.
“I’m just going to have to take the risk that, if there’s something available, then I’ll take it.”
Harris has an impressive Test record with 47 wickets at an average of just 23.63, but his most recent match was last April.
He said he was still getting back to his best, despite a spell at the WACA that ultimately proved match-winning.
“I’m hoping this game here I’ll be getting close to my best,” he said.
“I was happy with the way they came out in Perth – the pace was back, the swing was back and it was just good to get the feeling back and comfort at the crease.”
Meanwhile, the Bulls have played down a snubbing at the Cricket Australia state cricket awards that meant none of their players was named in Australian Cricketers’ Association All-Stars teams for the three forms of the game.
“Our success this year has been built around winning as a team with individuals performing well on a given day,” coach Darren Lehmann said.
Tasmania on Wednesday announced an unchanged line-up for the Shield final.
Tasmania: George Bailey (capt), Harry Allanby, Luke Butterworth, Mark Cosgrove, Alex Doolan, James Faulkner, Evan Gulbis, Ben Hilfenhaus, Tim Paine, Ricky Ponting, Jordan Silk, Jon Wells (12th man TBA).
Queensland: James Hopes (capt), Joe Burns, Peter Forrest, Cameron Gannon, Ryan Harris, Chris Hartley, Nathan Hauritz, Ronan McDonald, Greg Moller, Michael Neser, Luke Pomersbach, Nathan Reardon.
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