Adelaide, Jan 18: Back in the Australian side after an injury break, Ryan Harris replaced James Pattinson in the playing eleven in the third Test at Perth. Although the pacer picked only one wicket in each innings of that Test, the batsmen he claimed were veterans Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar.
With the series in their bag after the WACA Test, there is a feeling that Peter Siddlewill be rested for the final Test to be played at Adelaide. But with Siddle wanting to play to help Australia complete a 4-0 whitewash, the choice is between Harris and Mitchell Starc asone fast bowler will be dropped to make place for offspinner Nathan Lyon.
"Sidds [Peter Siddle] wants to play. We are pretty keen to win the series 4-0.It is probably out of me and Starcy [Mitchell Starc] to miss out of the bowling group. It is very competitive these days," Harris was quoted as saying by 'Fox Sports'.
Having suffered from hamstring and hip injuries which has allowedhim to play only four Tests in the last five months, Harris is keen to play in the final Test against India.
"My argument if they want to rest me is that I have had three or four months off. I struggle with stop-starts. Once I am up and going, I have to make sure I do keep going," Harris explained.
"I want to get that real strong feeling at the crease going in Adelaide and the only way I am going to do that is keep bowling and bowling. I stood there on the last day in Perth and liked how good I felt. I got through a lot of overs, everything is good, no pain in my hip or anything," the bowler elaborated.
Speaking about the prospect of playing at his former home ground, the pacer said, "It would mean a lot to play again in Adelaide in front of family and friends. I have to pinch myself.”
Harris also turned in a wistful note when he spoke about his mother, Gai, who died of cancer five years ago. "I think of her each time I am about to bowl, touch my chest where I have a tattoo of her. I think she would be proud. She used to watch me at Adelaide Oval."
