Harris in serious doubt for third Test
| Ryan Harris could miss the Colombo Test |
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Ryan Harris, the Australia fast bowler, is in considerable doubt for the third Test against Sri Lanka in Colombo after scans revealed a minor hamstring strain sustained on the final day of the second Test in Pallekele.
Having taken six wickets for the match, Harris, 31, complained of hamstring stiffness and left the field towards the end of play on day five, with subsequent examinations confirming some damage had been sustained.
Should Harris be ruled out of the match, his place would likely be taken by one of the Victorian duo of Peter Siddle and James Pattinson. Siddle is the more experienced paceman but Pattinson has also impressed many on the tour with his speed and swing.
Harris' absence would be a serious blow to Australia's chances of securing a series victory in Sri Lanka, as he has taken 11 wickets for the series at the startling average of 14.54 and a strike rate of 36, consistently troubling the hosts with the new ball and also posing plenty of problems by reverse swinging the old.
He has a troubled injury history, having missed the first third of 2011 with an ankle fracture sustained in the Melbourne Ashes Test. Harris must also manage degenerative right knee trouble, an ailment that has caused him to question his longevity in the game more than once.
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