Former Test opener Marcus Harris believes he’s done enough for a recall to the Australian team as the search for David Warner’s replacement continues.
Harris got a start but missed out on the chance to make a statement score for the Prime Minister’s XI against Pakistan at Manuka Oval on Thursday, as did fellow Test contender Cameron Bancroft, as the hosts ended day two at 2-149.
They were replying to Pakistan’s 9-391 declared, highlighted by skipper Shan Masood’s brilliant unbeaten 201 that perhaps raised hopes his side can match it with Australia in the upcoming three-Test series.
Matt Renshaw, another candidate to take Warner’s soon-to-be-vacant Test opening spot, crawled his way to an unbeaten 18 and will look to go big on Friday morning.
Harris, who’s played 14 Tests and regularly been with the Australian side as a back-up batter, played some classy shots and lofted drives before throwing away his wicket on 49, meekly chipping spinner Abrar Ahmed straight to mid-on.
But the Victorian laughed off the idea one innings should define his future with the national side, saying “seven or eight years of good cricket” was far more relevant.
“I’ve been in this position for the last few years now, so if it comes down to one game, then so be it,” he told reporters.
“Probably ever since I’ve moved to Victoria, I’ve felt I’ve proved myself enough, especially in domestic cricket.
“Whether or not in international cricket, that’s up for debate and other people’s opinions … my last couple of Tests I felt like I was just starting to get going and then things out of my control didn’t go my way.”
Bancroft entered fresh from making a mountain of runs at Sheffield Shield level – 512 at an average of 57 – but looked a little shaky on the way to his 53.
Renshaw will begin day three alongside allrounder Cameron Green (19 not out), who’s also trying to bat his way back into national team contention after being usurped in the Test side by Mitchell Marsh.
He could also play a part in replacing Warner, who is set to retire from the Test arena after the Pakistan series, if any of Marsh, Marnus Labuschagne or Travis Head are moved up the order to open.
Quizzed on his thoughts about a makeshift opener filling the specialist role, Harris pointed to how tough the job can be.
“It’s a good debate … you’d have to ask (the selectors) what they want to do, it’s up to them,” he said.
“Opening the batting is not the easiest thing in the world but … they’ve probably got a bit of time before they have to make that decision.”
The PM’s XI are not facing the tourists’ first-choice bowling outfit however, with Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali and Mohammad Wasim all rested for the tour game.
Pakistan skipper Masood looked like a man on a mission and displayed little emotion when he reached his double-century, setting the tone for his side in his first innings since assuming the captaincy.
South Australia quick Jordan Buckingham (5-80) was the PM’s XI best bowler, completing his haul courtesy of a sharp catch from Renshaw at leg-gully to dismiss Hamza (eight).
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Yes. And it'll lift the lid on this, "the bowlers must have known" malarkey.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Look forward to the book
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
A lot of panel-beaters and spray-painters are of Polish and Finish origin.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
And l understand him being riled. I'm with him there. But instigating what he did was "Wackjob: 101"
Chanon
Roar Rookie
The slander of his wife riled Warner to the extreme. Emotions spewed over onto the grassy knoll. How Norton appeared in one’s lunchbox is still a mystery.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Eva Peron?
Chanon
Roar Rookie
It was the act rather than the damage to ball. Poor Bancroft was the puppet while the puppeteer’s stood on the balcony pulling the strings.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Correctamundo
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Murphy has gone off boil for sure. He was looking the goods but huh?
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Dylan refers to your predecessor in "Where Are You Tonight?" being knocked off.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Why people believe otherwise is beyond me. It was a twisted desire for revenge by a, say, Scorpio to get back at SA for various shenanigans. Hatched at lunch by Warner, glibly dismissed by SS and eager-beavered by CB. They go out onto the field. Some Eagle-eyed Saffer notifies of intention. Umpires get wind of it. CB was trying to be covert and in doing so effected nothing. It was a stupid idea effected in the most daft way
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
You know they dragged a dead one thru the streets in about the late 800's and found him guilty, cut 3 fingers off and reburied him. Papal retribution wasn't just for 1978
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
But the thing was that the umpires said there was next to no damage as it was instigated at lunch. I agree that bowlers know whats going on with the ball but Bancroft had hardly damaged the ball. He had hardly no time.
Rowdy
Roar Rookie
Both Gemini, they can be eccentric; they're known for it
Tazewep
Roar Rookie
Not watching but Renshaw seems to be batting very slowly - Is he actually doing his chances more harm than good? If he cant be aggresive against 2nd string Pakistan attack how will he go against more lively bowlers?
Ouch
Roar Rookie
There was no tampering as determined by the umpires. There was however, an intention to ball tamper as Bancroft was found with sandpaper down his pants.
Doctor Rotcod
Roar Rookie
I was referring,in my usual obscure way,to the shine...
Pope Paul VII
Roar Rookie
Hey Doc Nah I am 3rd gen Aus but of solid Irish catholic descent Anyone Irish or of Irish descent aspiring to be the Roman Pope would have been shamed for being too big for their boots....or mitre. Thus it can never be. However, I've secured the vacant Paul VII post and will sue any future pretender that may emerge in Rome.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Imagine they were found out & the ridiculous fall out. The poor young fella took the bait while the others with reputation & no retribution continued to play on.
Cadfael
Roar Guru
Wouldn't say they botched it. Before the game they were saying it was a three way play off for the position between Bancroft, Harris and Renshaw. Harris got 49, Bancroft 53 and Renshaw is not out 68 in a slow innings. So no way could you say they all botched it.