India vs Australia: Harris called up to Test squad, Pucovski ruled out

Marcus Harris was added to the Australia squad ahead of next week's Test series opener against India in Adelaide, with Will Pucovski being withdrawn due to concussion.

Marcus Harris has been added to Australia's Test squad.

Marcus Harris has been added to the Australian men’s squad for the first Test against India at the Adelaide Oval. Harris has been drafted into the squad following confirmation David Warner and Will Pucovski will not be available for selection in Adelaide.

Warner injured his adductor muscle in the field during the second ODI against India at the SCG, while Pucovski sustained a concussion while batting for Australia A in the tour match against India at Drummoyne Oval last week. Both batsmen will now target a return ahead of the Boxing Day Test.

 

Harris has represented Australia in nine Test matches and was a member of the squad which retained the Ashes in England last year. He has scored 355 runs at an average of 118.33 in two Sheffield Shield matches for Victoria this season, highlighted by a brilliant 239 against South Australia.

“There’s obviously been a bit of stuff going on with everything in the last couple of weeks, so it’s been good to have a hit against the Indian boys and another hit today,” Harris was quoted as saying by Fox Cricket.

“It feels like I’m in the right place at the right time, but it feels like I’ve been playing really well as well. It’s been good, not to be the one that’s spoken about too much.”

 

“I knew coming here that if I went okay I’d put myself in a position to maybe play, the way that things have been going,” said the 28-year-old right-handed batsman.

“I obviously wasn’t in the Test side last summer so I didn’t have that distraction coming into this summer and I’ve just been focused on what I need to do, so that’s been good,” he said.

“Now I’ve found myself where I am, and I feel pretty ready to go and I’m looking forward to it.”