Australia want pacer Ryan Harris to focus on Tests

Ryan Harris

Melbourne, Jan 11 (IANS) Veteran Ryan Harris has been left out of the Australian squad for the impending 2015 World Cup, as the selectors want the pacer to focus on Test cricket.

Cricket Australia's chairman of selectors Rodney Marsh, on Sunday, confirmed that the decision to overlook Harris was made because of the 35-year-old's advanced age.

Marsh also said that the pacer's recent string of injuries meant a demanding Cup schedule would have put too much pressure on his body.

Marsh declared that the highly valued seamer's One-Day International (ODI) career is formally over, and he would be nursed keeping in mind the Ashes campaign in June.

"We would really like to see Ryan go to England, bowl his heart out in Test cricket and keep those Ashes," Marsh was quoted as saying by cricket.com.au.

"He's that important to the team in Test match cricket. I know there's nothing bigger than the World Cup, but maybe International one-day cricket - he's had his time there."

Harris has played only 21 ODIs in the last three years due to injuries.