Marcus Harris' ton keeps Gloucestershire in game against Glamorgan in County Championship Division two

Marcus Harris scored a brilliant hundred during Day 3 of the match between Gloucestershire and Glamorgan in County Championship Division Two on Friday, April 8. After conceding a huge first-innings lead of 239, Glamorgan put up a terrific fight back in the second innings led by Harris, who scored a magnificent 148 with the help of 20 boundaries in his innings.

It was his fourth first-class hundred for Gloucestershire. The Southpaw had earlier finished as the highest run-scorer in the first innings scoring 59 with other batters failing to bat around him. His innings was laced with six fours in some testing conditions at Cardiff. Having been recently awarded an Australia contract earlier this week, Harris has given the perfect audition with his performance to find a place in Australia’s squad for the Ashes in June.

The Southpaw was a part of the last Ashes series played in Australia in 2021-22, which the hosts won by 4-0. Having made his debut against India in Adelaide in December 2018, Harris has amassed 607 runs in 26 innings at an average of 25.29 with three half-centuries to his name.

Harris’ First-Class career stats read as 9555 runs in 143 matches at an average of 39.32 with 24 hundreds and 40 fifties to his name. The southpaw has failed to leave an impact at the international level so far and will be desperate to turn things around if given an opportunity in the Ashes this summer.

Ben Stokes' New England will pose a big threat to the Aussies

Australia had a good outing in the last Ashes series played in England as they retained it in the country for the first time since 2001. However, the upcoming series is expected to be a tougher challenge for the current holders of the ‘Urn’ as they will be facing a new England under the leadership of Ben Stokes who’ve revolutionised batting in Test cricket with their ‘Bazball’ approach. 

Under Stokes’ leadership, England have won ten out of the 13 matches so far and consequently, making strong statements with their performances all around the world.