Australia cricket teama

Marcus Harris hit a patient and timely 74 against India A on Friday to thrust himself into prime contention to open for Australia in the first of five Tests against the tourists this month.

The diminutive 32-year-old steered Australia A to 223 in reply to India A's 161 on day two of their four-day match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground -- seen as a bat-off for the Test spot left vacant by David Warner's retirement.