Marcus Harris Expresses Frustration Over Steve Smith Opening In Tests Post David Warner Retirement

Australian opener Marcus Harris expressed disappointment over his non-selection for the two-match Test series against the West Indies. Marcus Harris mentioned that he is now concentrating on moving forward with a clear understanding of his position in the team.

Marcus Harris and Cameron Bancroft emerged as strong contenders to replace David Warner at the top of the order in Tests. However, Steve Smith moved up to open the innings alongside Usman Khawaja. Matt Renshaw was selected as a reserve batter in the squad.

However, Steve Smith’s experiment didn’t yield positive results, as the batter scored 12 runs and 11 not out in his two innings in the first Test at the Adelaide Oval. It’s worth mentioning that Smith had never opened the batting at the Test level before that match.

I Was Obviously One Of The Names In Contention – Marcus Harris

While speaking on Perth’s Wide World of Sports’ 6PR radio station, Marcus Harris highlighted the speculation surrounding his potential inclusion as the replacement for David Warner, who retired after the third Test against Pakistan.

“It’s been interesting. Coming off the back of the Ashes we knew that Davey had put a timeline on when he wanted to finish so there was obviously a lot of speculation about when he would finish and who would replace him and I was obviously one of the names in contention,” Harris said.

“What’s good now is that now it has been decided and been done, it’s one less thing I have to worry about. It’s been an interesting couple of months but at least I know now where I stand instead of battling with the unknown,” he added.

I Didn’t Really Hear Too Much – Marcus Harris

Marcus Harris mentioned that he wasn’t informed much about the selection process, highlighting the frustration of dealing with uncertainties in the process.

“I didn’t really hear too much around selection from them to be honest. I was with the squad in England and then I probably spoke to (head selector) George (Bailey) before the PM XI game but they didn’t say too much around selection so I didn’t really know anything until I got the phone call last week about the selection of the squad. It’s a little bit of the unknown which is frustrating but that’s the way it goes sometimes,” Harris further stated.

I Back Myself To Do A Job – Marcus Harris

The 31-year-old opener remains optimistic about donning the baggy green again, despite the recent setback. However, he expressed skepticism regarding whether the selectors still prefer specialist opening batters.

Marcus Harris last played for Australia during the Ashes series in 2022. He was replaced by Usman Khawaja, who smashed twin centuries during that series. Harris scored 607 runs in 14 Tests, with a disappointing average of 25.28, including three half-centuries.

Also read: BBL 2023-24: Marcus Harris Signed As Replacement By Perth Scorchers Ahead Of Playoffs