Australia bowler Ryan Harris set for fitness regime to make 2015 Ashes
Monday 2 February 2015 08:37, UK
Australian paceman Ryan Harris has drawn up a rehabilitation plan to ensure he is fit for this summer's Ashes campaign in England.
The 35-year-old was second in Australia's bowling averages in both of the Ashes series of 2013-14, taking 24 wickets at 19.58 in defeat in England and 22 at 19.31 as the urn was recaptured.
His progression though has been plagued by injuries and he suffered a knee problem which caused him to miss last year's series against Pakistan.
He was left out of the World Cup squad and will now have his workload managed for the first half of this year. He will miss the Sheffield Shield with the Queensland Bulls and will then link up with Cricket Australia's national performance squad.
Harris said: "I want to play as much cricket as I can as I know you are a long time retired but I recognise this is the best approach to ensuring I am absolutely right for the Ashes.
"I have huge ambitions to help us win a series in the United Kingdom and that goal is something that will drive me on over the coming months."
The opening Test of the Ashes series begins in Cardiff on July 8.
Cricket Australia official Pat Howard said: "With Ryan, our number one priority is to ensure he is 100 per cent fit and available for this winter's Ashes series.
"He has had a heavy bowling workload over the past couple of months and by giving him this structured programme to rehabilitate his knee, improve his physical conditioning and gradually build his bowling workload, we can ensure he is absolutely ready for the Ashes tour.
"Ryan is keen to play as much cricket as he can but he is fully understanding and appreciative of the thought that has gone into this decision. Queensland Cricket is also completely supportive of the decision and we are very grateful for everyone seeing that bigger picture."
