Harris effectively out of first Test

LONDON: Ryan Harris has been effectively ruled out of contention for the first Ashes Test in Cardiff as he was unable to be passed fit for the tourists’ final warm-up game against Essex.
During the last week’s match against Kent, Harris experienced pain in his right knee and admitted he had to get used to the feeling if he was to be effective in the Tests. However, his knee soreness was particularly stubborn as the team moved on to Essex and he was ruled out in favour of Peter Siddle on the first morning of the game in Chelmsford.
This is a major blow for Harris, who had hoped to be fit for all five Tests after a careful preparation for the series. Harris has conceded his body has not got much bowling left in it, and team management will be worried that he has been unable to come through at this early stage of the tour.