Harris confirmed for Test debut, last spot now between Handscomb and Mitch Marsh
Opener Marcus Harris is set to make his Test debut against India at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday, Australian coach Justin Langer has confirmed.
Key points:
- Australia coach Justin Langer confirms Marcus Harris will open alongside Aaron Finch against India
- Final spot in Test team appears to be between Peter Handscomb and all-rounder Mitch Marsh
- First Test of four against India begins on Thursday at the Adelaide Oval
Harris will become Australia's 456th male Test cricketer after winning the selection race over Victorian teammate Peter Handscomb for the first of four Tests against the tourists.
Speaking to SEN radio, Langer said 26-year-old Harris had proved himself in camp and through his weight of Sheffield Shield runs.
"We're pretty sure Marcus Harris will make his debut, which is very exciting for him," he said.
"He's scored 500 runs in Shield cricket in eight innings, he's a terrific young player and he's looked very good in some of the most competitive net sessions I've seen."
The fight for the final spot in the team is now a two-horse race between Handscomb and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, with Langer and selectors to make a call later on Thursday.
"It'll be either Peter Handscomb or Mitchell Marsh who'll take the five or six position," he said.
"We'll have a look at that and come up with a decision."
Likely line-up for Adelaide Test
- Aaron Finch
- Marcus Harris
- Usman Khawaja
- Shaun Marsh
- Travis Head
- Peter Handscomb or Mitch Marsh
- Tim Paine (c)
- Pat Cummins
- Mitchell Starc
- Nathan Lyon
- Josh Hazlewood
AAP
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ABC .net
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