30 Dec 2011

Harris joins Australian cricket squad

2:03 pm on 30 December 2011

The Australian cricket selectors have added paceman Ryan Harris to their 12-man squad for the second test against India in Sydney next week.

Harris, who is working his way back from a hip injury, was the only addition to the 11 that defeated India in the first Test at the MCG yesterday.

He replaces left-arm quick Mitchell Starc, who was 12th man in Melbourne.

Allrounder Shane Watson was ruled out from returning for the second Test at the SCG, which starts on Tuesday, as he continues to recover from a calf injury.

Harris was regarded as Australia's number one quick before his injury absence.

But the excellent performances of James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus in the first Test victory have cast doubt on whether Harris can dislodge one of the incumbents.

However, Australia captain Michael Clarke says selectors will consider the possibility of playing four pacemen at the SCG, in which case offspinner Nathan Lyon will be dumped.