The Ashes; First Test, Cardiff, July 8-12

[yuppie]

Would be nice to see Clarke get some runs before the first test.

With his back problems im not sure how much longer he can go on for. If he has a poor series here it might well be his last.

[from_the_stands]

Would be nice to see Clarke get some runs before the first test.

With his back problems im not sure how much longer he can go on for. If he has a poor series here it might well be his last.

I reckon Clarke is looking sharp. His form is ok. I'm not worried about a first baller. I am worried about his back too. Not that long ago, I thought that this might be his last series, but now I think we'll have him for another 12-18 months, or at least until his back goes again. I could see him sitting out the tour to Bangladesh.

[dan08]

Harris is out of the series due to injury. Probably the end of his international career.

[dan08]

Harris has announced his retirement from all cricket. Such a shame, one of the best fast bowlers I've seen.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Sad news. For me, only the brevity of his opportunity keeps Harris off the roll call of fast bowling greats. And a good bloke who played sport in the right spirit. Would have liked to have seen him one more time. Hope he finds something to replace the experience of his brief time at the top.

[KipperJohn]

Harris has announced his retirement from all cricket. Such a shame, one of the best fast bowlers I've seen.

'
Very sad news.

Ian Bell on Facebook - 'Genuinely gutted to hear that. He's a top bloke. Always was tough to face. Wish him all the best'.

Pity we shan't see a reprise of their battles in 2013. Great bowler and such a shame to be dogged by injuries.

Good luck in retirement.

[Aidan11]

Sad but not totally unexpected.

Unlucky with injuries but great bowler when fit.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Harris has announced his retirement from all cricket. Such a shame, one of the best fast bowlers I've seen. :salute

'
Very sad news.

Ian Bell on Facebook - 'Genuinely gutted to hear that. He's a top bloke. Always was tough to face. Wish him all the best'.

Pity we shan't see a reprise of their battles in 2013. Great bowler and such a shame to be dogged by injuries.

Good luck in retirement.

Looking at the reaction from fellow players, we was a popular competitor.

A few days ago I thought he might miss out from starting the series. Now I'm feeling he is a big loss and this will help England's cause, though in an unfortunate way. Not sure Australia will pick Siddle and Cummins with as much confidence.

[Arthur Crabtree]

Harris' late emergence as an international cricketer mirrors that of Mike Hussey, another bloke who was easy to like. Rogers is another modest man. Probably a coincidence, but I wonder if there is a pattern there.

[Gingerfinch]

Being grateful of a international career?

Harris went on longer than I thought he would tbh.

[The Waugh Twins]

Harris has announced his retirement from all cricket. Such a shame, one of the best fast bowlers I've seen.

Yep a sad way to leave any sport.

[The Waugh Twins]

Sad news. For me, only the brevity of his opportunity keeps Harris off the roll call of fast bowling greats. And a good bloke who played sport in the right spirit. Would have liked to have seen him one more time. Hope he finds something to replace the experience of his brief time at the top.

Nice to see the support on here from the English fans. I just read the news minutes ago and yes to say it's a shock is an understatement.

[The Waugh Twins]

I don't know the exact details of his injuries, but I'm sure he should seek some different advice. Unlikely he would have bowled a ball in this series, but would have just been nice to have him around. Likely he is extremely depressed at the moment and just wants to get home.

Some of the best knee doctors are in Utah, perhaps someone should tell him to stop by.

[The Waugh Twins]

Just read this from Vaughan;

"Former England captain Michael Vaughan claiming Harris would have been Australia's most threatening bowler in the up-coming series".

Difficult to bowl on one leg, not to mention virtually no match practice. He may well have only made the last test or two.

Harris should have never come back so soon and his rehabilitation under Australian cricket needs to be investigated.

[The Waugh Twins]

Nice to see the great comments from Broad, Swann, and Bell.