Australian Test cricket hero Ryan Harris is banking on knee surgery extending his career well into next year.
The hobbled paceman is in Melbourne for an operation on Tuesday that will involve a clean-out and bone shaving.
Harris was suffering when he bowled Australia to victory in the third Test against South Africa, giving them a 2-1 series win.
Far from being fearful about the operation, Harris is eyeing next year’s Ashes tour and perhaps the following Australian summer.
“The flight home has ruined it (the knee) even more – it’s sort-of locked up,” Harris told SEN.
“I really hope having this done and cleaned out, it gives me a bit more time.
“I will be back – I’ve read a few little comments here and there in papers that it could be the end of me, but I’m not done yet.”
Harris also revealed that the South African team did not come into the Australian rooms after the third Test.
There were some heated confrontations between the two teams throughout the series.
Harris said the South Africans had to attend a hastily-arranged function for their captain Graeme Smith following his retirement announcement during the Test.
But the Australians still felt their opponents should have shared a quick beer with them post-match.
“It was a bit disappointing, actually – they didn’t come in for a beer with us,” he said.
“I know Michael (Clarke) and Darren (Lehmann) were a bit disappointed with the fact they didn’t come in … Robin Petersen came in for a quick drink.
“What we did hear is they had a function for Graeme Smith that obviously was organised quite quickly.”
Harris said there was plenty of words between the two teams.
“We were giving it back – we copped a fair bit as well,” he said.