Ryan Harris will spend the World Cup wrapped in cotton wool, such is the veteran paceman’s importance to Australia’s Ashes campaign this year.
Harris, comfortably one of the best bowlers at the disposal of national selectors, was left out of the World Cup squad named on Sunday.
It was no great shock, given the last of Harris’s 21 one-day internationals came almost three years ago.
But that has been because of fitness instead of form, with the lion-hearted quick averaging 18.90 in ODIs.
Harris, known for his work ethic, humility and high pain tolerance, successfully returned from major knee surgery during the recent Test series against India.
Chief selector Rod Marsh could have used the 35-year-old as a trump card in the upcoming one-day tournament, but wanted him cherry ripe for the Ashes.
“We would really like to see Ryan go to England, bowl his heart out in Test cricket and keep those Ashes,” Marsh said in Sydney.
“He’s that important to the team in Test match cricket.
“I know there’s nothing bigger than the World Cup, but maybe international one-day cricket – he’s had his time there.”
Marsh suggested Harris was typically understanding of the decision.
“I went to speak to him last night to tell him he wasn’t in the team,” Marsh said.
“I said ‘Ryano’ and he said ‘don’t worry mate, I know’.
“I think he would have loved to be in the side, but I think he also realises he would have struggled.”
David Warner felt for Harris and offspinner Nathan Lyon, who showed promise in six ODIs last year but was left out of the World Cup squad.
“The selectors do a tough job and I’m glad I’m not one of them,” Warner said.
Mitchell Johnson, who missed the SCG Test due to a minor hamstring issue, and Josh Hazlewood are expected to be rested from Friday’s tri-series opener in Sydney.
Kane Richardson and potential debutant Gurinder Sandhu have been added to the squad as cover.
Hazlewood played three consecutive Tests and the team’s medical staff are likely to give him some time off.
However, the 24-year-old is keen to play Friday’s clash with England.
“Once the ball is coming out well, you feel like you want to keep bowling,” Hazlewood said.
