Ashes: Harris on Cook’s Century Ball & Johnson Partnership

Published on November 4, 2025 · By David Thompson

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Ryan Harris: The ‘Rhino’ Who Amplified Mitchell Johnson’s Ashes Dominance

History has had ‍some great supporting characters. Not sidekicks – that would be disrespectful. The number twos – those who make the stars shine that little bit brighter.⁣ Brian Clough had Peter Taylor.Elton ⁤John had Bernie Taupin. Elsa had⁤ Anna.

Mitchell⁢ johnson,⁤ the moustachioed ⁣menace ⁤who destroyed England⁢ at the speed of light, had Ryan Harris. The 2013-14 Ashes, when England were humiliated 5-0, will forever belong to ‍Johnson. The left-armer was pure ⁣pyrotechnics, battering stumps, pads, and helmets, for his 37 wickets. At ⁣the other⁢ end, new-ball partner Harris was every inch his ‘Rhino’ nickname – ⁢rampaging and relentless.

It was Johnson who walked away as an‍ Ashes legend, but Harris who produced ESPN Cricinfo’s ‘ball of the century’, a physics-defying in-outer to bowl England captain Alastair Cook. Kevin Pietersen called Harris the best Australian seamer he ever faced,and KP took on Johnson,Glenn McGrath and Brett Lee.

A ‍Career Forged in Resilience

ryan ⁢Harris’s path to ⁣Test cricket ⁣was anything but straightforward. There were plenty of reasons why he might‍ never have pulled on a baggy green cap.His story is a testament to perseverance,second chances,and the ability to overcome meaningful obstacles.

Early Setbacks and a Potential England Career

His father was born⁤ in Leicester, meaning Harris could have ⁤played for England. An attempt to spend time with Sussex as a local player in 2008 was aborted. Before then, a younger Harris who liked “drinking beers” was let go by South Australia, only to regain his state contract as a first reserve when another player rejected theirs. this early rejection served as a crucial⁤ wake-up call.

Finding His Pace and Potential

With ⁤a second chance, Harris realised he could add