Chappelli: Marcus Harris, David Warner will open in Ashes series
Two handy judges in former Test captain Ian Chappell and Kerry O’Keeffe have predicted David Warner ‘clone’, Marcus Harris, will open the batting alongside the banned star in England.
Cricket
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Marcus Harris is close to being Ashes bound after his bright light shone through the gloom at the SCG on Saturday.
Former Test captain Ian Chappell indicated the opener should be a formality for the heavy-duty tour of England and predicted the Victorian would make the ideal partner for David Warner.
Harris missed an opportunity to become the first Australian century-maker of the series, but his career-best 79 was a classy knock all the same and showed all the hallmarks of a gritty and assured top order batsman.
Mentor Justin Langer offered a disappointed Harris a reassuring pat on the head when he settled back in the SCG dressing rooms after having his bails dislodged by Ravi Jadeja, but despite missing out on a milestone, Australia may just about have found another piece of its Ashes jigsaw.
Harris will pad up again for a two-match series against Sri Lanka later this month on batting paradises the Gabba and Manuka Oval, and batting great Chappell said that a player of substance had emerged.
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“Marcus Harris will make a very good partner for David Warner,” Chappell said on Macquarie Radio.
“And I am telling you, David Warner will come back.”
Harris has now made two half centuries in four matches but already has the look of a batsman that belongs.
On Fox Cricket, Kerry O’Keeffe agreed that he can imagine a synergy between Warner and Harris.
“He plays in the same areas as David Warner. He looks like David Warner. And it could be Warner and Harris for the Ashes this year.”
Harris says he feels he is slowly building towards the point where he feels he can push his cause for an Ashes call-up, but is refusing to look too far ahead.
On Warner, Harris admits if there are similarities in their styles, it wouldn’t be a complete accident.
“I’ve never batted with David Warner … so I’m not sure (how we’d combine). But that’s my natural game. I’m pretty aggressive. I just look to play my shots and try put it back on the bowlers a little bit,” said Harris.
“ … I’ve definitely watched him and envied the way he plays. Anyone that can come out and make a hundred on the first morning of a Test match is a pretty special player.
“There’s definitely times I wish I could bat like him. I’m not sure I can yet, but I definitely like the way he plays. I don’t try to bat like him but I’m envious of the way he plays.”
Harris has now made two half centuries in four matches but already has the look of a batsman that belongs.
When he first walked into the Australian camp, captain Tim Paine liked that he increased the volume levels with a bit of cheek and chirp in Adelaide.
Even the way he walks to the crease and runs between wickets, Harris is all action and energy, with just a bit of spunk and exuberance.
It’s only early in his career and his first-class average of 35 remains a concern, but Harris seems like a player who could be well suited to the special stresses of an Ashes campaign and not be overawed.
Warner has batted with nine opening partners since he debuted in Test cricket and his rapid style hasn’t always naturally flown with the man at the other end.
However, Harris’ up-tempo approach will take the pressure off Warner to be the scoring dynamo.
Harris has an ability to keep things ticking over and feed his partner the strike.
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