Australia have recalled Marcus Harris for the first Test of the series against India starting next Thursday (December 17) as they grapple with injury and concussion issues.
First-choice opening batsman David Warner is already ruled out of the Adelaide D/N series opener, while young Will Pucovski is also out of contention now after copping a bouncer blow to his head while playing for Australia A in the first warm-up game versus the touring Indians.
Read Also: ‘India should not have agreed to play pink ball Test in Adelaide’, says Aakash Chopra
"Given the spate of injuries in recent weeks, we’re fortunate to be able to bring a player of Marcus’ calibre into the Test squad," national selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement on Saturday (December 12).
"Marcus has been in outstanding form for Victoria this season and has had the benefit of facing India’s bowlers in both three-day tour matches."
“At the same time, we are disappointed for David and Will that they will not be available for the first Test."
"We have taken a conservative approach in managing Will since he sustained the concussion and hope he and David will be back to full health ahead of the Boxing Day Test."
Harris' most recent Test outing came during the last year's Ashes trip, after which he was dropped for the summer fixtures. The left-hand batsman, who averages just 24.06 after 9 Tests, has fought his way back with runs in Sheffield Shield. He seems set to open with Joe Burns in the first Test, though Burns himself hasn't been in the pink of form for a while.
Western Australia all-rounder Cameron Green, who was considered a sure starter after his ton at the Drummoyne Oval, is now in doubt for Adelaide amid concussion scares.
Green received a drive played by tailender Jasprit Bumrah on his head while bowling to him on Thursday (December 11), the opening day of the ongoing second warm-up game at the SCG.
He was immediately attended by the medical staff before walking off the field, replaced later for the match by Patrick Rowe.
(Inputs from Reuters)
