Australian pacer Harris mulls Test retirement

Australian pacer Ryan Harris is considering retirement from Test cricket as chronic injuries are taking a toll on his body.

One of the country's premier fast bowlers, Harris said he may have to soon bid goodbye to Test cricket to keep his hopes alive in at least one form of the shorter versions of the game.

Harris has suffered from chronic knee and hip injuries.

"Test cricket is the pinnacle of cricket. But for me, even now, it is getting harder and harder being able to back up each and every day for the five days of a Test," Harris was quoted as saying by The Courier Mail.

Harris said he will take a call on Test retirement soon.

"I want to play as much cricket in as many forms of the game as possible at the moment. But I also don't want to grind down my body and there will be a stage when I have to look at my options," he said.

Meanwhile, all-rounder Mitchell Marsh was today ruled out of action for six months after suffering back stress fracture.

The 20-year-old Marsh had complained of back pain during the team's training session ahead of their CB Series One-Day International at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Marsh was taken for precautionary scans which confirmed a stress fracture.

Australian selectors are expected to name a replacement for Marsh before the one-dayer against India at Brisbane.