Ryan Harris` Ashes preparations hit by `stomach virus` hurdle

Sydney: Australian Test bowler Ryan Harris` Ashes preparation hit a hurdle with the pace man unable to bowl for Queensland on Saturday because of a virus.

According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Harris fielded at first slip for the duration of SA`s second innings, watching Bulls leg-spinner Cameron Boyce revive the match with a career-best seven-wicket haul. Boyce took 7-68 and caused SA to stumble in a collapse of 8-61, which offered faint hope of an outright win to the Queenslanders, the report aid. The Redbacks ultimately finished at 9-194, a 116-run lead, when time ran out for the Bulls, who banked first-innings points, the report added. Harris batted earlier on Saturday`s final day but didn`t bowl, unwilling to risk worsening his condition with the Ashes opener just 19 days away, the report further said. Bulls coach Stuart Law said Harris should be fit to play against Tasmania in the next Shield game, starting on Wednesday, according to the report.