Ryan Harris absence 'massive blow' to Aussies, say former England cricketers

New Delhi: Former England cricketers said the absence of Ryan Harris was a massive blow to the Australian team after the pacer announced his shock retirement on Saturday due to a knee injury.

Pat Cummins was named as his replacement for the much-awaited Ashes series starting from July 10.

Congrats on a fantastic career Ryan Harris..Great bowler and a even better bloke.... Massive blow for Australia ... #Ashes — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 4, 2015

Ryan Harris IMO was Australia's most dangerous threat in English conditions... #Ashes — Michael Vaughan (@MichaelVaughan) July 4, 2015

Congratulations to Ryan Harris on a great career. His record speaks for itself and he's a great guy too. A massive blow for the Aussies. — Graeme Swann (@Swannyg66) July 4, 2015

Several other international cricketers, past and present, poured in their good wishes for the bowler in his post-retirement phase.

Great shame to see Ryan Harris have to retire through injury. Excellent career & wish him all the best for the future. — Mark Ramprakash (@MarkRamprakash) July 4, 2015

Congratulations on a fantastic career Rhino. Great bowler, even better bloke. #RyanHarris

— Jason Gillespie (@YCCCDizzy) July 4, 2015

Sad to see @r_harris413 has had to retire but congratulations on a great career and coming back from all those injuries. #seriousbowler — Chris Tremlett (@ChrisTremlett33) July 4, 2015

Sorry to hear your knee hasn't recovered Rhino but congrats on everything you've achieved. Well done mate, you'll be missed. @r_harris413 — Glenn McGrath (@glennmcgrath11) July 4, 2015

Congrats @r_harris413 on an incredible career.Such a passionate competitor and role model. Loved every moment playing with him #AussieLegend — Joe Burns (@joeburns62) July 4, 2015

Congrats @r_harris413 on an outstanding career. The epitome of hard work and perseverance. Privileged to of played alongside you

— Ben Cutting (@Cuttsy31) July 4, 2015

Injury ruled out Harris of Australia’s tour match against Essex at Chelmsford. Harris played the week before against Kent and results of scans on a painful knee spelt trouble for the pacer.

Harris played 27 Tests for Australia and picked 113 wickets with an impressive average of 23.52.