Harris in serious doubt for third Test

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 the fifth day, with subsequent examinations confirming some damage had been sustained.

"It showed there was a minor strain in one of the muscles in my hammy," Harris said. "It's probably not the news we're after but I'm getting constant treatment. We'll see what happens in the next day or two. There's got to be some doubt because something showed up.

"I'm obviously pretty keen to play but going in I am a risk. If Michael [Clarke] is happy to take me in with a slight risk then I'll give it 100%. It's a pretty big game so if not I'll sit out and do as I'm told."

Harris said he felt pain in his hamstring on the fourth day of the Pallekele Test itself but continued bowling with it as it wasn't acute. "I'm a fast bowler so I bowl with stiffness every day. Walking around I don't feel it, it's not there at all. I felt it probably in the first or second step of my delivery stride; there was a bit of a twinge but it wasn't enough to make me grab it or have to stop.

"I guess the fear is pushing it too hard; I could potentially rip it further and it would become a two-month thing rather than, as it as at the moment, something that requires a week or two of recovery time."

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 one.

Should Harris be ruled out, his place would likely be taken by one of the Victorian duo of Peter Siddle or James Pattinson. Siddle is the more experienced quick but Pattinson has also impressed many on the tour with his speed and swing. Harris said either man could do the job.