'I was an idiot'- Ryan Harris opens up on his casual lifestyle during playing days, ahead of joining South Australia as assistant coach

Former Australia cricketer Ryan Harris recalled his life lessons ahead of his return to South Australia (SA). After 15 years, he is set to return to SA as an assistant coach to his former teammate and mentor Jason Gillespie. Harris, who is currently serving as Queensland's pathways manager and men's team selector, will start in the new position on June 1. On the same day, current SA bowling coach Luke Butterworth will take up the position of SA Premier Cricket under-19 head coach.

As Harris prepares to return to his hometown, the new bowling coach of South Australia was quoted as saying that he believed he had been an 'idiot' earlier but learned a lot from his life experiences. He went on to say that he had much more experience in both cricket and life after attaining his current state of maturity.

"I was an idiot, there's no doubt about that. But I've learned a lot, I've lived a lot and I've matured a lot. I've got a lot more experience both with cricket and in life. I'm not that party animal … I went pretty hard, and I still enjoy having a beer now and then, but nowhere near the extent it was,” Harris told cricket.com.au.

'It nearly cost me my career' - Ryan Harris on the impact of his casual lifestyle on his career

Talking further about his past, Harris also opined that his mistakes and casual style of living had nearly cost him his career. He also assured of making sure that the boys had fun but not at the cost of their careers.

Harris went on to say that all of his experiences had helped him learn in some way, and that was the message he wanted to convey through his coaching career as well. The 43-year-old also stated that he would ensure that all the players have a good time while playing.

“That's part of me maturing and learning along the way as we all do when we grow up, and it's probably a message I want to bring to coaching as well. I want to make sure the boys still enjoy themselves, but not to the point like I did because it nearly cost a career, that's basically my life story around cricket. It nearly cost me my career, but thankfully I got a lifeline and I made it work,” he added.

After retiring from international cricket in 2015, he has built an impressive coaching career. He worked with the national under-19 squad at the National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, as well as Australia's men's team under then-coach Justin Langer.