Australia may unleash Ryan Harris on a bouncy WACA track

Sydney: Australia will be unleashing fast bowler Ryan Harris in a four-pronged pace battery in next week`s third Test against India on a bouncy WACA track in Perth.

The Indian batsmen failed to handle three fired-up Australian quicks in the first two Tests on tracks that were good for batting. But with the WACA track offering extra bounce, Australia are likely to add Harris to their line-up at the expense of spinner Nathan Lyon. Australia banned Harris from playing for Brisbane Heat in the next Big Bash match at the Gabba and flew him to Sydney early Wednesday so that he gels with the team. The 32-year-old Harris has recovered from his chronic knee and hip injuries and Test skipper Michael Clarke also realises that the lion-hearted bowler is the best quick when he is fit. Harris has 35 wickets at 21.37 from eight Tests. Last year, he ripped apart England during the Ashes at Perth with a nine-wicket haul including 6-47 in the second innings. The big bonus with playing Harris as part of a four-man pace battery would be his workload would be lessened and he may only be required to send down four-over spells as he is rotated in and out of the attack with the other three quicks. Even if Lyon is dropped, the off-spinner is sure to be back for the fourth Test on the turning Adelaide pitch that he used to help prepare. IANS