Paceman Harris named to squad for second test

MELBOURNE, Australia — Oft-injured paceman Ryan Harris, added Friday to Australia's 12-man squad for the second test against India, doesn't fancy his chances of cracking the starting 11 that beat the visitors by 122 runs in the first test.

Harris, who is working his way back from a hip injury, will give Australia the option of a four-man pace attack. He replaces left-arm fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who was the 12th man in Melbourne, in the only change to the side.

Although the Sydney Cricket Ground has traditionally been a spin-friendly wicket, it may be prepared to suit paceman this time to negate India's strength against spin bowling. If so, Harris could join a four-man pace attack while offspinner Nathan Lyon is demoted to 12th man.

Harris was regarded as Australia's No. 1 fast bowler before his injury absence, but the performances of James Pattinson, Peter Siddle and Ben Hilfenhaus in the first-test victory have cast doubts on whether Harris can force his way onto the team.

Harris boasts a record of 35 wickets at 21.37 in eight tests, but says he's concerned that his next injury blow could spell the end of his career.

"I'm down the pecking order," Harris said Friday. "It's my fault that I got injured and all I'm trying to do is just get fit and let it take care of itself."

Allrounder Shane Watson has not recovered from a calf injury and will miss the test which starts on Tuesday.

Watson's continued absence ensures the six batsmen from the Melbourne test will be retained, although the strong performances of Ricky Ponting and Mike Hussey had already ensured their spots. Wicketkeeper-batsman Brad Haddin is also safe, despite his continued poor form.

Chairman of selectors John Inverarity said the team would take great confidence and momentum into the second test and he welcomed Harris' return to the squad.

"Ryan has had carefully monitored preparation, which has gone to plan," Inverarity said. "Mitchell Starc and Daniel Christian, who were both in the squad for the first test, have been omitted but remain very much in our thinking."

Sachin Tendulkar will again be seeking to notch his record 100th international century when he plays at the SCG. He hasn't scored 100 in a test or one-day match since March, but looked in top form in his first-innings 73 at the MCG before being out for 32 in India's second innings.

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