AUS vs PAK: Marcus Harris Claims Stakes On Replacing David Warner As Australia's Test Opener

Australia opener Marcus Harris is drawing inspiration from Usman Khawaja as he eyes a potential comeback to Test cricket. Marcus Harris expressed hope that his consistent and strong performances over time will be duly recognized in the selection process.

David Warner, who announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier this year, is set to play his final match against Pakistan in Sydney. The 37-year-old endorsed Marcus Harris as his potential successor before the Boxing Test match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Head coach Andrew McDonald emphasized keeping options open, with the selectors likely to consider candidates such as Harris, Cameron Bancroft, Matt Renshaw, and Cameron Green. Harris, as a centrally contracted player, is considered the frontrunner for the role.

It Does Give Me The Confidence – Marcus Harris

Speaking to the Sydney Morning Herald, Marcus Harris expressed confidence in being considered the next opener in line, stating that he has fulfilled the necessary requirements for the role.

“It does give me the confidence they have looked at me as being the next opener in line,” Harris told Sydney Morning Herald.

“I’d like to think I haven’t done much wrong for that to change. I feel like my performances over a long period of time have stayed consistently at a good level. I feel like I’ve done what I’ve needed to do,” he further added.

That Keeps Your Spirit Up – Marcus Harris

When Marcus Harris was omitted from the Australian side, Captain Pat Cummins clarified it was not due to a loss of form. Harris expressed optimism about his comeback, citing his consistent performances in domestic cricket.

“You don’t lose belief because you weren’t dropped on the basis of form. That keeps your spirit up,” Harris said.

“The perfect case in point is probably Uzzie. You hear how in 2019 he thought he was done, probably never play again. His last two years have been the best cricket he’s played,” he further added.

Harris’ last appearance for Australia in Test cricket was in the Ashes series in 2022. He was replaced by Usman Khawaja, who scored two centuries during the Sydney Test match of that series. Khawaja’s exceptional form firmly secured his position in the squad.

You Can’t Write Anyone Off – Marcus Harris

Marcus Harris emphasized that it’s inappropriate to write anyone off in the current era, drawing inspiration from Usman Khawaja. Harris expressed self-confidence, stating that he is ready to seize any opportunities that come his way.

“I think in this day and age, you can’t write anyone off. I feel like my frame of mind if you get down in the dumps you can feel that way a little bit. I’d like to back myself and think I’ve got plenty of good cricket ahead of me. If given the opportunity, I can take it with both hands,” Harris concluded.

Australia is scheduled to engage in a two-Test series against the West Indies, commencing on January 17 at the Adelaide Oval. The second and final Test match is slated to take place at The Gabba in Brisbane from January 25 to January 29.

Also read: Marcus Harris, Matthew Renshaw Or Cameron Bancroft? Ricky Ponting Predicts David Warner’s Successor As Test Opener