Starting batsman Marcus Harris has been called up to Australia’s first test team as the hosts calculate the cost of a series of injuries ahead of the first test against India in Adelaide.
David Warner had already been ruled out of the team after sustaining a groin injury in the one-day series, while Will Pucovski suffered a concussion after receiving a blow to the head while batting for Australia A against the tourists.
“Given the series of injuries in recent weeks, we are fortunate to be able to bring a player of Marcus’s caliber to the test team,” national coach Trevor Hohns said in a statement Saturday.
“Marcus has been in outstanding form for Victoria this season and has had the advantage of taking on Indian bowlers in both games on the three-day tour.
“At the same time, we are disappointed in David and Will because they will not be available for the first test.
“We have taken a conservative approach to Will’s management since he suffered the concussion and hope that he and David will regain full health before the Boxing Day test.”
Harris’s elevation came after another test challenger, Cameron Green, suffered a concussion after being hit in the head in a tour game against India on Friday.
The 21-year-old off-roader, who was playing for Australia A, was throwing Jasprit Bumrah, who snapped a drive straight through Green’s fingers and hit him on the right side of the head.
Green was treated by the medical team before leaving the field. He was replaced in the match by Patrick Rowe.
The first test begins in Adelaide on Thursday.
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