Harris reveals his doubts of Test return

Veteran paceman Ryan Harris has admitted to serious doubts about playing Test cricket again after struggling with the mental battle of his latest knee rehabilitation.

Harris, to make his first-class return for Queensland this weekend, is eying a place in Australia’s attack for the first Test against India on December 4.

It’s been eight months since the 35-year-old bowled Michael Clarke’s team to a series-clinching victory over South Africa in Cape Town.

He immediately underwent surgery on his chronic knee injury on returning home and has battled to return to fitness in time for the upcoming four-Test series.

Ranked the No.2 bowler in Test cricket, Harris revealed fears he may be too old to return to form and fitness to add to his 24 Tests and 103 wickets, at 22.54.

“I must admit it’s been tough getting back,” the bustling quick said. “It’s been harder this time.

“It’s the hardest rehab I’ve had to go through mentally and physically, questioning whether I can do it.

“But once I get to this stage now when I’m close to getting back and around the boys I still really want to do it.”

Harris has come through two club cricket matches plus 27 overs in a Futures League clash last week to now be selected for the Bulls in their Sheffield Shield clash against NSW, starting Sunday at the Gabba.

He said the lure of defending the Ashes next year in England had been a major motivator in getting through the painful and relentless Brisbane gym sessions in the winter.

“The bottom line is I still want to play and I still think I’ve got something to give,” he said.

“I’ve still got unfinished business there especially with the Ashes there and I want to make sure I can get there.

“The negative thought was pretty quickly knocked out by the positive thought.”

But Harris denied he would walk back into Australia’s side, beaten 2-0 by Pakistan in the UAE, by proving he was fit.

“If I’m not bowling up to scratch I’m not going to be there,” he said.

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