Who is Lance Morris? Australian quick closing in on Test debut

Liam O'Loughlin

Who is Lance Morris? Australian quick closing in on Test debut image

Lance Morris has been selected in Australia's Test squad for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan, inching the fast-bowler closer to an international debut. 

The 25-year-old has played 22 first-class games for Western Australia, taking 74 wickets at an average of 25.44 and earning plenty of praise across the cricket world. 

Morris burst onto the scene in the 2019/20 Big Bash season for the Melbourne Stars, before making the move into Sheffield Shield in late-2020.

The right-arm quick has drawn comparisons to former Test star Shaun Tait, with his ferocious pace and ability to strike fear into batsmen making Morris a huge threat.

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Morris was recorded as bowling 153km/hr last year during a Shield clash for WA, while many will remember the seamer snapping Shaun Marsh's bat in a BBL game. 

After overcoming a stress fracture in his back and having a rest period through the off-season, Morris is now primed for a huge home summer and will be the name on everybody's lips surrounding a potential debut. 

At this stage, Morris isn't expected to play for Australia but could be moved into the side should injury strike.

Will Lance Morris play against Pakistan? 

Morris is unlikely to play the first Test against Pakistan, despite being named in the 14-man squad. 

Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood and Mitchell Starc are all likely to line up for the Aussies in the opening game of the series, while cult hero Scott Boland has also been named in the squad.

Mitchell Marsh backs WA teammate Lance Morris for Test debut

One person that has seen first-hand the damage Morris is capable of is West Australian teammate and Test all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who has backed the tearaway for an international debut this summer.

Speaking to SEN Radio prior to the first Test against Pakistan, Marsh compared Morris to former Aussie quick Mitchell Johnson and believes he has all the tools to succeed. 

“In the nets, bowlers feel a lot quicker than what they do in the middle and there's obviously no adrenaline... it was probably the first time since I faced Mitchell Johnson at training that I've ever actually been scared," he said. 

“I can't admit that to Lance, of course, although if he listens to this, he probably knows now. 

“He's a super talent. His radar has come in dramatically and he's going to be a very, very good bowler.

"Hopefully we see him get an opportunity at some point throughout the summer.”

How fast does Lance Morris bowl?

Lance Morris has been clocked in at 153km/hr while playing Shield cricket for WA, which puts him right up there with the world's quickest bowlers.

In an interview with ESPN Cricinfo in 2022, Morris said he still has room to improve his pace.

"I'm an attacking and intimidating bowler," he said.

"I can get to the early 150s. I'm just settling into my body now. They say around 26 is when you basically mature as a bowler. I've got still room to get faster."

Morris averages well into the 140s range on average - but is he the quickest Australia have to offer? 

In comparison to the rest of the Australian fast-bowling cartel, Morris is seriously quick - but he still has a way to go until he can top Mitchell Starc's fastest delivery of 160.4km/hr back in 2015. On average, Starc floats around the mid-140s and can push into the 150s with relative ease. 

Pat Cummins tends to bowl around the high-130s and low-140s but has been clocked at over 150km/hr plenty of times, while consistent performer Josh Hazlewood bowls around the mid or high-130s on average. 

Lance Morris career record

  Matches Wickets Average Economy
First Class 22 74 25.44 3.59
List A 7 11 28.72 6.07
T20 18 12 34.83 8.61

 

Liam O'Loughlin

Liam O'Loughlin Photo

Liam has been with The Sporting News since 2019, helping lead both NRL and cricket content, as well as delving into the world of combat sports and NFL. A true rugby league tragic, he has spent the past 20 years playing, coaching and volunteering for his beloved junior club, Penshurst RSL. 

Away from work, Liam has a lifelong passion for all things pro wrestling and has travelled abroad to attend showcase events for WWE, AEW and NJPW.