Ex-pacer Rackemann says Harris can be the Ashes X-factor
By ANIThursday, February 4, 2010
MELBOURNE - Former Test fast bowler Carl Rackemann believes Queensland’s Ryan Harris can be the X-factor that rocks England in next summer’s Ashes series.
Harris’ 13 wickets in three 50-over games against Pakistan has left the cricket world pondering his full potential and Rackemann says that his best work is Test standard.
“I think he could be a real force in the Ashes. There is no bowler in Australia with better seam position in Australia at the moment and I love the way he swings it both ways. Batsmen struggle against that type of bowling because they rarely see it. Not only does he swing the ball, but he bowls at good pace and his control is excellent,” the Daily Telegraph quoted Rackemann, as saying.
“He seems to be in control of everything he is doing,” Rackemann added.
With Ben Hilfenhaus’ future uncertain due to a knee injury, Australia is shopping for a swing bowler for the Ashes and Harris is storming into contention.
His powerful lower-order batting and relentless commitment in the field can only enhance his selection chances.
Former Test batsman Darren Lehmann, who has mentored Harris through South Australian grade and state cricket and the Indian Premier League with the Deccan Chargers, believes Harris is custom-made for Test cricket.
Lehmann believes a challenging path to the top has enhanced Harris’ cricketing education.
“There was one year at South Australia where he was struggling to get a contract and only ended up getting one at the last minute,” Lehmann said.
“Back then he was never quite fit enough or strong enough. He was at the crossroads, but he decided to really grow up and get really determined. He’s got the hang of everything now, I love his hustle and bustle and the fact that he is deceptively quick. I’m pretty sure he is right to go for Test cricket, he goes hard all day and will bowl an endless amount of overs,” Lehmann said. (ANI)
