Australia bring in Harris after Will Pucovski is ruled out

ADELAIDE: Left-handed opener Marcus Harris was added to Australia's squad for the first Test at Adelaide Oval that begins on December 17 after Will Pucovski was ruled out of the first Test on Saturday following a concussion during the first warm-up against the touring Indians earlier this week. The Aussies are already missing regular opener David Warner, who has already been ruled out due to groin injury.

Harris has experience of batting against India in the last series between the two sides Down Under. He got two 70s and four scores in the 20s in seven completed innings during that 2018-19 series.

Although he has not played for Australia since last year's Ashes, he has been among the runs in Australia's premier domestic first-class tournament this season, scoring a double ton and two fifties in three matches.

He also made 35 and unbeaten 25, batting at No.3, in the previous warm-up against India A that ended on Tuesday. In the ongoing warm-up, he scored 26 in the first innings.

"Given the spate of injuries in recent weeks, we're fortunate to be able to bring a player of Marcus's calibre into the Test squad. 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 Drummoyne and under lights at the SCG," said Australia selector Trevor Hohns.

"At the same time, we are disappointed for David (Warner) and Will (Pucovski) 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." IANS

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