Perth, Australia – Australian paceman Ryan Harris is battling a sore knee but captain Michael Clarke said Thursday he was confident the 34-year-old will play in the third Ashes Test against England.
Harris has been a crucial part of the attack that has fired Australia to a 2-0 lead over their arch-rivals, but he reported stiffness during the second Test in Adelaide.
“Ryan Harris has had an ongoing knee issue throughout his career which we manage after each Test he plays,” a Cricket Australia spokesman said.
Reports said he was a doubt for the third Test starting Friday in Perth, in which Australia can take an unbeatable 3-0 lead in the five-match series.
But Harris bowled at full pace in the nets at the WACA Ground Thursday and Clarke said he was confident he would play.
“I think one of those three will certainly come in and replace Ryan if he's not fit,” Clarke said, referring to James Faulkner, who was 12th man in Brisbane and Adelaide, and Doug Bollinger and Nathan Coulter-Nile who are on standby.
“But I am very confident that Ryan will be okay,” he added.
Harris has bowled 67.4 overs in the series, with eight wickets at 20.25. – Sapa-AFP