When Harris nearly played for England!

Australia pace bowler Ryan Harris tormented England on the first day of the second Test at Lord’s on Thursday and then revealed he could have been an Ashes hero for the hosts.

Sydney-born Harris has a British passport because his father was born in Leicester and, while playing for English county Sussex in 2008, he had considered committing himself to his dad’s country of birth. But Queensland, impressed by his form for Sussex, moved in to sign him on condition he committed himself to Australia.

Speaking in the England and Wales Cricket Board offices after play closed on Thursday, he said: “Last time I was in this building I had a meeting with (former England captain) Mike Gatting about that passport.

“I travelled here to play a little bit, and having an English passport made it a bit easier. “But dad moved over to Australia when he was 10 or 11, so he was brought up an Aussie and brought me and my brother up as Aussies.

“It was a messy situation. I had a really good offer for Queensland that came through at the time, and that’s where I thought I might have one last crack at trying to play for Australia. Obviously, it was the right move.”

Thursday’s success was a cathartic moment for Harris, who has battled back from a series of ailments that threatened to wreck his career following his belated Test debut aged 30 in 2010.

“It was a great feeling to be back, having that new ball in my hand this morning at Lord’s felt pretty special,” Harris said. “It’s been pretty frustrating. I know if I’m bowling well I can play at this level but for me it’s trying to stay fit.

“I’ve got constant niggles which any fast bowler has so it’s just a matter of managing that.”

Harris has been plagued by a series of injuries including a chronic knee problem that will be with him until he retires.

“There’s been a few of those moments when I thought I might not get this chance. But I wanted to keep playing,” he said.