I’m lapping up a huge Australian Test series win over the current world number one South Africa. It’s amazing how the cricket landscape can change so quickly.
The change of fortunes for Australian cricket in the last six months has been astonishing.
But I’m not here to talk about that. I want to talk about an individual within the Australian cricket team who’s been a part of the change.
No it’s not David Warner nor Mitchell Johnson, though both played magnificent parts in the revival of those fortunes, but a man who doesn’t necessarily get the plaudits he deserves.
His name is Ryan Harris.
Don’t get me wrong, Harris is certainly identified as one of Australia’s current premium fast bowlers. But I believe Harris should be recognised as more than that.
I genuinely believe Harris should be discussed in the all-time great categories. Names like Glenn McGrath, Dennis Lillee, Brett Lee and Craig McDermott? Well you can now throw Ryan Harris in their company.
Harris’ Test record currently stands at 24 Tests for 103 wickets at an average of 22.56. During this Test, Harris became the 33rd Australian to take 100 Test wickets.
Of those 33, Harris currently sits with the best strike rate of 48.3.
But it’s not just pure stats that put ‘Rhino’ in the all-time great discussions.
It’s his ability to bowl with both new and old ball. It’s his ability to not only swing the ball, but to seam the ball when conditions aren’t necessary great for swing bowling.
It’s his ability to take vital wickets when his captain requires. And it’s his ability to push himself through adversity very few can handle.
The injuries that he has sustained throughout his career would have ended a lesser man’s career.
His current opening bowling partner, Mitchell Johnson, has spoken of the incredible lengths he goes to get himself on the field. The fact he’s been able to show his teammates sitting around in the change room the bone he’s got floating around his degenerative knee just shows how strong his will to play for Australia is.
His captain talks about him in glowing terms, saying if he asked him to run through a wall, Rhino would do it.
On the last day, suffering from a hip flexor injury that was so bad there were severe doubts about just getting on the field, Harris delivered 24.3 overs and provided the breakthrough with the second new ball by removing of the previously unmoveable A B de Villiers.
Later on he removed the stubborn Dale Steyn, before closing out a great series win for Australia by knocking over Morne Morkel.
Harris will now go under the knife and will do everything physically possible to get back to fitness and return to the Australian team.
There is no doubt if he is able to, he will be selected.
However there does have to be doubt of whether ultimately he can get back.
If he doesn’t get back to the peak of his powers and that was to be last Test he played, he will always be remembered for his herculean performance in this Test on one leg and on the back of what he would consider not his best form.
Yet he was able to conjure and will himself beyond the pain threshold to propel Australia to victory!
So while the Australian public are standing around the water cooler, talking about Australia’s marvellous climb back up the world cricket rankings, I hope we all take a moment to think about what a tremendous player Harris is and ponder what sort of numbers the man could have put up if his body allowed.
I’m sure the greats like McGrath and Lillee would no doubt consider Harris among their class!
DingoGray
Roar Guru
Thanks for taking the time to read it.
bill boomer
Guest
Tier 1 Lillee on his own. Missed four years from 26 to 30, had to reinvent himself and struck genuine fear in opposing batsmen. Only played seventy times but endures in the memory. His best was THE best bar no-one
Aransan
Guest
McGrath was a once in a generation bowler, one would be more than happy to have him as the third quick in any best Australian team. He holds the record of having the most wickets by any fast bowler. McGrath has suffered great personal tragedy in his life through the death of his wife and is an inspiration for all in what he has put back into the community.
Declan McClure
Roar Pro
Mcgraths best figures are 8 for 24, he dismissed the greatest batsmen of his era cheaply all the time. Harris is amazing but mcgrath is a far superior bowler.
Declan McClure
Roar Pro
mcgrath was like a metronome, one bloody consistent ticker!
Evan Askew
Guest
There is nothing wrong with picking Thommo ahead of Lee in an all time XI.
Evan Askew
Guest
In addition to that he has picked up 1500 test runs with a century at an Alan Davidson/Richie Benaud average of 23.5. Not that he is as good a batsman as those two who got much more runs at first class level in an era of uncovered wickets and zero protective equipment.
eddie
Guest
I agree to your comments policy ..ES
eddie
Guest
Ryan H a great compedetor but how quickly has MJ been forgotten his impact alone has been immeasurable on the total outcomes of nearly every match since the 1st ashes test including some of tremendous fielding &catching all up a great team effort ....Eddie S
Johnno
Guest
County cricket is a much lower standard than test cricket. Look how dominant Graham Hick and Mark Ramprakash, were in county cricket. Micheal Bevan in shield cricket too, and Marcus North, didn't have good test careers. Phil Hughes too.
The Bush
Roar Guru
Are you talking about the Lillee who broke his back and had to reinvent himself as a bowler? Yeah no ticker at all...
JGK
Roar Guru
McGrath took 89 wickets at an average of about 14 in County cricket without the help of Warne or Macgill.
Richard
Guest
Good point
the Runt
Guest
Seems that Hilfy is forgotten by all. after some of the things that I have read about Max Walker he should be in the list at tier 2 on G&D alone. My recollections of Hogg were a couple of very good seasons. And in the G&D stakes Merv would have to move up a tier.
Richard
Guest
You reckon!?
Broken-hearted Toy
Guest
Not sure that Mitch would see himself as the spearhead. I think he likes having someone else older and smarter than him in the attack.
Armchair Expert
Guest
Watson is an apples with oranges comparison to Watson, Richard.
Wasim Ranamadroota
Roar Pro
True, and sadly, like Bruce Reid before him, he has had to call for the sticky tape...
Frank O'Keeffe
Guest
It would take several years of this kind of form for Mitch Johnson to gain a plenary indulgence and find his way out of purgatory.
Simoc
Guest
What a garbage article.