Harris recalled; Starc, Christian dropped

Paceman Ryan Harris has been recalled into the 12-man Australian squad for the Second Vodophone Test against India starting in Sydney next Tuesday.

Harris who missed Australia’s 122-run victory in the Boxing Day Test has successfully returned from injury and impressed selectors enough during the Big Bash to earn a recall into the national team.

The Queenslander has recovered from a hip complaint suffered in the tour in South Africa and also he adhered to a strict training regime which as designed to build up endurance and resilience for the rigors of a five day test.

Whilst Harris has been included both quick Mitchell Starc (the 12^th man in Melbourne) and all-rounder Dan Christian (the 13^th man in Melbourne) have been omitted from the squad.

“It all starts again on 3 January and we’ll go into the game with confidence and momentum,” Australian national selector John Inverarity told reporters on Thursday.

“Ryan Harris has been added to the XI that played in the First Test in Melbourne. Ryan has had carefully monitored preparation, which has gone to plan. Mitchell Starc and Daniel Christian, who were both in squad for the First Test have been omitted but remain very much in our thinking.”

Whether Harris plays or not depends on the selectors but following the trio of bowlers – Peter Siddle, the Boxing Day Test man of the match in James Pattinson and Ben Hilfenhaus it is unlikely the Queenslander will be selected in the Starting XI.

Unless of course one of the quicks is too break down or the selectors opt to play four quicks and drop the only recognised spinner in Nathan Lyon and bring in Harris at his expense.

However vice-captain Shane Watson has once again missed out on selection as he attempts to get over his calf complaint that has so far kept him out of the two-test series against New Zealand as well as the first test against India.

Watson who first suffered a hamstring injury in the tour of South Africa before then injuring his calf and the all-rounder has once again missed out on a selection for the traditional new years test at the SCG.

“Shane has not fully recovered from his right calf injury and is therefore not available for the Sydney Test,” said Australian team physio Alex Kountouris. “He will continue his rehabilitation and hopefully be available for one of the remaining Test matches.”

Australian 12-man Squad:

Michael Clarke (captain)

Brad Haddin (vice-captain)

David Warner

Ed Cowan

Shaun Marsh

Ricky Ponting

Michael Hussey

Peter Siddle

James Pattinson

Ben Hilfenhuas

Nathan Lyon

Ryan Harris