Harris backs Siddle return to Test cricket

The emergence of Josh Hazelwood this summer has been bittersweet for fellow quick Ryan Harris, with the thrill of bowling alongside the rookie fast-bowler tempered by the absence of his long-time ally and close friend Peter Siddle.

Hazlewood has impressed in the first two matches of what promises to be a long Test career, pushing through debilitating cramps to take a five-wicket haul on debut in Brisbane and toiling hard on a lifeless surface in Melbourne last week.

Siddle has been forced to watch Hazlewood's progression from the sidelines having been omitted after he took 2-109 in the first Test in Adelaide. 

Siddle's absence from the Test XI - the second time he was dropped in 2014 after he was axed during the tour of South Africa - and Australia's fast-bowling depth has led to speculation that the 30-year-old's six-year Test career may come to an abrupt end.

But Harris is in no doubt that Siddle will add to his career haul of 192 Test wickets, and says he's ready to offer advice to the man he's played 19 of his 26 Tests alongside.

"He's still got so much to offer this team," Harris said of Siddle.

"When I see things (written) about him potentially (being) gone ... he's still got so much to offer.

"Obviously (his) pace has been up and down and that sort of stuff. But he's gone away and worked on it and he regained some pace after Africa.

"We're always in contact. I must admit I don't talk too much about cricket to him unless he brings it up.

"We're pretty good mates so if there's anything there we talk about it. We're pretty open and honest."

Siddle was an integral part of Australia's three-man pace attack last summer, playing a vital support role as Harris and Mitchell Johnson repeatedly ripped through England's top and middle order.

One of the Victorian's greatest strengths is his stamina and ability to bowl long spells, often into the breeze, which last summer allowed the Aussies to use Johnson in short bursts of three or four overs, maximising his pace. 

On Thursday, Johnson identified bowling longer spells as one of the reasons why his wicket-taking output has been down on last summer; he's taken 13 wickets at 35.53 in three Tests against India compared to a record 37 at 13.97 in the Ashes.

Like Johnson, Harris also pointed to the pitches used in this Commonwealth Bank Test Series, which have been devoid of the grass and bounce that the Aussies exploited so well last summer.

While Siddle's value to the side is often highlighted on flatter surfaces, Harris says the Aussies have lost nothing by bringing Hazlewood into the side.

"Josh has done it," Harris said of the 23-year-old's ability to bowl the tireless spells that Siddle has made his trademark.

"The only time he didn't do it was in Brisbane and that was just because of ridiculous heat.

"Josh, the little bit I've seen of him in (Sheffield) Shield cricket, he's good at doing that anyway.

"I think the experience of Sidds, we may have missed that a little bit.

"But the way Josh has come in and bowled and played I think's been just as good.

"I had a chat to Steve Smith about that in Brisbane and he said that Joshy needs to bowl longer spells, that's how he gets into his spells and gives him a chance to get the feeling.

"He can probably do that. If I need to do it, then I have to do that as well."

Harris missed having Siddle alongside him in Melbourne, but he's added his name to the long list of former and current Test cricketers to heap praise on Hazlewood. 

The New South Welshman only picked up two wickets at the MCG, but looked the most threatening of Australia's bowlers as they pushed for victory late in the final session on day five of the drawn match.

"I wish I had his height. I'd love to have a little bit more height," Harris said with a smile.

"I actually thought towards the end of the game in Melbourne he was coming in and bowling good pace.

"Because that ball at the end was soft, it was doing nothing but a couple of his balls were bouncing through.

"He's doing a great job. The attack we've got at the moment is very good.

"I think it's very good and well balanced.

"We'd obviously like to have Sidds in there because we've had success, but that's the selectors’ choice." 

Harris is relishing the seven-day break between Tests, having pulled up sore after taking 6-100 in 42 overs in Melbourne last week, as well as scoring a career high of 74 with the bat.

The 35-year-old missed the second Test in Brisbane due to a quad strain and admits he would have been doubtful for this match had there been another short break of just three or four days.

But the man now ranked the second-best Test bowler in the world is confident that he will be fit for what would be just his second Test at the SCG.