Test hopeful Marcus Harris digs in for Australia A
Marcus Harris is trying to give selectors some late food for thought ahead of the squad being named for the first Test against India.
The left-handed opener was the one Australia A top-order batsman showing resistance on day two of the rain-affected tour match against India A at the MCG.
He had made 39 from 79 balls before rain forced an early lunch on day two, with the hosts in trouble at 5-89.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The Test squad will be named at this match and all the interest lies in who opens the batting with Usman Khawaja.
After Australia A captain Nathan McSweeney (14) and Cameron Bancroft (three) fluffed their latest auditions late on Thursday, the focus shifted to Harris and young gun Sam Konstas when play resumed on Friday morning.
Konstas only made three before Khaleel Ahmed trapped him lbw, with the pace bowler not bothering to wait for the umpire’s confirmation as he celebrated.
Harris dug in and was putting a high price on his wicket.
The 32-year-old has played 14 Tests, most recently the 2022 Sydney Ashes match.
Oliver Davies (13) and Beau Webster (five) were the other dismissals in Friday’s opening session, after Australia A resumed on 2-53 in reply to India A’s 161.
Jimmy Peirson had made one when rain forced an early lunch after play also stopped early on Thursday because of Melbourne’s notoriously-fickle spring weather.
Ahmed and fellow opening bowler Mukesh Kumar had taken two wickets apiece.
