QUEENSLAND allrounder Ryan Harris is determined the bad luck blow that cruelled a breakthrough season will not sabotage his Indian Premier League dream.

Harris, 29, sustained a right foot fracture in attempting to slow a drive from South Australian opener Daniel Harris on Friday 13 last month in Adelaide.

Former Croweater Harris missed Queensland’s Ford Ranger Cup triumph against Victoria and the Sheffield Shield final against the champion Bushrangers.

Hopes of making Australia’s limited-overs tour of South Africa were also dashed just as he had reached the best form of his career with the ball.

“I had my first bowl on Sunday. It felt OK, there was a bit of discomfort in there but I will probably have that for the next 12 months,” said Deccan Chargers signing Harris, who took 33 wickets at 26.48 in eight first-class games last season.

Harris must convince Queensland medicos and coach Trevor Barsby that he’s fit to join Darren Lehmann’s Deccan camp from April 10 in South Africa.

The task has been made easier with the IPL season delayed by a week after being relocated to the Rainbow Nation from terror target India.

“The starting date being pushed back has definitely helped my recovery,” said Harris, who made his Australian one-day debut against the Proteas in Hobart during January.

Harris will be flanked by some of cricket’s great drawcards in a Chargers’ franchise that has been overhauled with new colours, logo and outlook by coach Lehmann.

“It is something I’ve really been looking forward to since I signed up. To be able to play with guys like Andrew Symonds, Adam Gilchrist and Herschelle Gibbs will be awesome,” said Harris. “The franchise forked out a lot of money last year and wasn’t really successful but I think it will be good this season.”

Harris believes Lehmann will make a similar splash in his first head coaching role as Shane Warne did with inaugural IPL champion Rajasthan Royals.

“Boof is very positive, wants to win and knows how to win so it is an exciting time for the boys,” said Harris, who will receive elite care from a Deccan support staff which includes Australian fielding coach Mike Young and fitness guru Steve Smith.

“It’s his first coaching role in the big arena, the next best thing away from international cricket. All the best international cricketers will be there with the world watching.

“He will coach the way he played, with a bit of flair. Darren’s highly regarded and reads the game well.”

Just playing cricket again is a bonus for Harris who is still hurting from being forced to watch the Sheffield Shield final from the sidelines.

“My game was getting towards where I wanted it to get so it was disappointing to have it cut short like that,” said Harris.

“Chris Swan and Ashley Noffke were also out of the attack in the final which was a bit disheartening.

“I can’t wait to get playing.”
Source – news.com.au