Harris: playing test 'a dream'

MARK TAYLOR/Waikato Times

HARD WORKER: Aussie quick Ryan Harris is determined to be more than a "one-hit wonder''.

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Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris' pride in playing for his country is shown in the shape of a tattoo on his left arm.

The hardworking quick has impressed in New Zealand this summer and the tattoo is part of the secret to his success.

A journeyman state bowler until just over a year ago, the 30-year-old made his one-day international debut for Australia in January last year.

Probably lucky to have made it that far, an injury to Peter Siddle this summer has seen him play 11 more matches and establish himself in the side.

Harris now boasts a one-day record of 29 wickets at 15.51 from 12 matches and whenever he feels tired or decides it's just not his day, all he has to do is look down at the tattoo.

"It's just a reminder that when I played my first game [for Australia] I wanted to play again and it's just my playing number [169] and obviously the mighty Southern Cross," Harris said of his body art.

"I love being Australian, I love playing for my country and to be able to represent your country, I guess in any sport, is a big deal. It's something I did once last year and I tried to promise myself that I didn't want to be that one-hit wonder."

However, knee trouble meant he very nearly was. Harris had two operations last winter, and had scheduled a third, before a doctor in Melbourne found a less invasive remedy.

So rather than sitting out the entire summer, Harris now finds himself being named in Australia's test side.

The two-test series begins in Wellington on March 19 and such is Harris' form that he might have to get another playing number inked in next to the Southern Cross.

"For me to play test cricket would be a dream come true. I guess I'm thinking about it but I'm trying to concentrate on the series I'm playing now," he said.

- © Fairfax NZ News