Coaching career likely for Ryan Harris

Ryan Harris has already learned plenty from Darren Lehmann, but the lessons will continue as the quick contemplates his next career.

Harris retired from cricket on Saturday, having been ruled out of the Ashes due to a cracked tibia caused by his chronic knee problems.

The paceman served as assistant coach of Australia A last year, while he previously mentored young Brisbane Heat bowlers when Lehmann was at the helm of the Big Bash League side.

The profession would be an obvious choice for the perfectionist, who is widely respected in the sport for his commitment, resilience and passion.

Harris suggested his retirement was “too raw” to talk about the next step, but he is remaining with the Ashes squad and wants to shadow Lehmann.

“I’ll sort of try and take in as much as possible from Darren, which I do normally anyway, and the rest of the coaching staff,” Harris said.

“Probably more what happens off the field, when you’re (playing) out there. How to prepare stuff.”

Queensland coach Phil Jaques has already invited Harris to help out this summer.

“He’s said I’m welcome to get in there,” Harris said.

“I’ll sit down and speak to him when I get home and see exactly what I want or whether that fits with them.

“It’s not like because I’ve played Test cricket I’m a fully qualified coach. There is a lot to learn.”

Michael Clarke, sitting alongside Harris for his final press conference as a player, said he would be welcome at the captain’s personal academy anytime.

Clarke led the tributes for Harris, who snared 113 Test wickets at an average of 23.52.

“His statistics speak for themselves. He’s as good as anyone to play for Australia,” Clarke said.

“If I asked him to run through a brick wall … I think he’d have a crack at it.

“He loves winning as much as I do and that’s a great trait to have.

“The game will miss him.”

Harris had a sleepless night as he pondered yet another comeback, having returned from ankle, achilles, hamstring, hip, knee and shoulder setbacks in a 27-Test career.

“I tried and tried and tried to think of a way,” he said.

But team medical staff Peter Brukner and Alex Kountouris had made the 35-year-old’s situation clear.

“They gave me some pretty good advice and the word retire was used,” he said.

“It was a word I didn’t want to hear but deep down I think I knew it was coming.”

The final decision was made with the help of wife Cherie and the young family they’ve just started.

“That was in my thoughts last night,” he said.

“Wanting to run around with Carter and hopefully a couple more (children) we may want to have.”

That and playing golf.

“I want to do that, otherwise I’m going to turn into a very large person,” he laughed.

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