Marcus Harris was Australia's top run-scorer in the Test series against India but two poor matches versus Sri Lanka have the rookie opener fighting to retain his place ahead of the Ashes tour.
Harris made 44, 11 and 14 in the Aussies' consecutive wins over the Sri Lankans and was the team's lone specialist batsman not to pass fifty against a sub-par bowling attack.
Concerningly, Harris was out the same way in each of his innings – caught after prodding away from his body outside the off-stump.
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Harris' Test average now sits at 32.70 after his debut at the beginning of the summer, with two scores in the 70s facing India.
Despite Harris' promise, veteran cricket journalist Robert Craddock says the 26-year-old is under immense pressure to take on England in the Old Dart in August and September.
David Warner is likely to waltz back in at the top of the order when his ball-tampering ban ends on March 29, while fellow opener Joe Burns did his Ashes chances no harm by plundering 180 in the second Test against Sri Lanka.
Meanwhile, Queensland batter Matt Renshaw is pressing for a recall, having been initially picked in the extended squad for the Sri Lanka Tests before being released.
According to Craddock, Harris could be overlooked.
"The player I'm most worried about is Marcus Harris, the opener," Craddock told SEN’s Whateley.
"Because he just pokes outside off-stump and [England quicks] Jimmy Anderson and Stuart Broad, they just get you out for fun if you're a left-hander doing that.
“... The one X-factor is simply this – they’re going to wait until late into the Australia A tour of England [in June and July] before they chose the Ashes squad.
“That gives a guy like Matt Renshaw probably another seven or eight first class innings to get past Marcus Harris.
"I think his position is most vulnerable, given that it’s very hard not to take Joe Burns if he’s just off 180.
“I think [Burns] just goes [to England] doesn’t he? Four centuries in 16 Tests.”
🏏 | Marcus Harris would want this one again...
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Harris could yet fend off the competition by piling on the runs in the back half of the Sheffield Shield which resumes later in February.
It was only the start of January that Harris was touted by ex-Test captain Ian Chappell as the perfect match for Warner.
"Marcus Harris will make a very good partner for David Warner," Chappell said on Macquarie Sports Radio.
"I've been impressed with Harris and I would have him opening with Warner when he is back playing.
"I like his compact technique and his temperament and intent and I think he will be opening for Australia during the Ashes."
Form in the Shield and the Australia A tour looks set to be the deciding factor in who is picked and who is snubbed for the Ashes, with a plethora of batsmen in the picture.
Warner, Steve Smith and Travis Head are the few batters who are all but assured of their positions.