‘Terrible’: Australian batsman Marcus Harris ignores Matthew Hayden’s Gabba warning

Marcus Harris’ Test career is hanging by a thread after the Victorian once again ignored an Australian great’s words of wisdom.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - JANUARY 15: Marcus Harris of Australia leaves the field after being dismissed by Sharldul Thakur of India during day one of the 4th Test Match in the series between Australia and India at The Gabba on January 15, 2021 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Nobody knows the Gabba deck better than Matthew Hayden.

The Queensland great played most of his Sheffield Shield at the iconic venue, and he averaged 60.06 there in Test cricket, pummelling four centuries in nine matches.

So if the legendary Matty Hayden offered you some advice on how to tackle Australia’s bounciest deck, you’d be well inclined to take it on board.

But Marcus Harris seemingly wasn’t paying attention.

Watch Australia v India Test Series Live & Ad-Break Free During Play with the Fox Cricket commentary team. New to Kayo? Get your free trial now & start streaming instantly >

Before Harris’ first Test at the Gabba in January 2019, Hayden issued a firm warning for the Victorian – don’t bother playing square early in your innings.

But the Australian opener suffered a monumental brain fade against the touring Sri Lankans, slashing at a wide delivery and spooning a catch for the point fielder.

Matthew Hayden at Allan Border Field.

LIVE BLOG: Australia vs India fourth Test

Two years later, Harris finds himself back in the Test side after Victorian teammate Will Pucovski suffered a shoulder injury at the SCG.

And speaking to NewsCorp this week, Hayden reiterated his words of wisdom ahead of the 28-year-old’s return.

“The challenge at the Gabba is you start seeing the ball well. It’s a big open ground, and it’s a wicket that always lulls you into a false sense of security,” Hayden said.

“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been out disappointed because I’ve even just thought about playing square of the wicket.

“You walk and call yourself an idiot because the moment you start looking straight, you bat longer, you bat time.

“Someone like Marcus, who is a very good square of the wicket player is always tempted to be in that situation where you start playing those shots too early.

Unfortunately, Harris once again ignored the 103-Test veteran’s advice.

Marcus Harris of Australia.

In the morning session of day one, Harris gifted Indian seamer Shardul Thakur his maiden Test wicket after looking to flick a full delivery through square leg.

Full and on the pads, the left-armer rolled his wrists on the ball only for it to fly directly towards Washington Sundar on the inner ring.

Harris sheepishly made his way back to the pavilion for five, leaving Australia in early trouble at 2/17.

“It’s a bit of a Marcus Harris type dismissal, we’ve seen it a number of times in his short career,” former Australian batsman Mark Waugh said on Fox Cricket.

“He’s just got to tighten up that game.

“Whether it didn’t come or wasn’t as quick as he was thinking, I don’t know. It’s a soft dismissal.”

ABC Grandstand commentator Zane Bojack tweeted: “Terrible shot by Harris.”

DWarner's Test opening partners, and partnership average:
71.00 UKhawaja
54.44 SMarsh
51.33 CRogers
51.00 SSmith
50.56 JBurns
43.35 CBancroft
44.86 ECowan
40.00 MRenshaw
34.00 Watto
23.25 PHughes
15.00 GMaxwell
11.00 WPucovski
7.67 MHarris

— Ric Finlay (@RicFinlay) January 14, 2021

READ MORE: Warne addresses hot mic controversy

But the most scathing assessment came from Hayden himself, who was commentating for Channel 7 during the fourth Test.

“Australia is just making mistakes, and there’s a classic case of that with Harris,” Hayden said.

“The Gabba is all about playing straight. The longer that you play straight, the more often than not you’re going to be at the wicket.

“Harris and a lot of players that come up here and make mistakes often think about playing the cut shot, the pull shot way too early, square of the wicket shots.”

Harris currently averages 22.94 with the bat after 10 matches, and is at risk of losing his spot in the starting XI when Pucovski returns from injury.