Australian opener Marcus Harris has been signed by Lancashire for the 2025 season, as the county seeks to regain their spot in Division One of the County Championship. The 32-year-old left-hander will represent the club in both the County Championship and the Metro Bank One-Day Cup until September.
Harris is set to arrive in the UK before Lancashire’s opening Championship match against Middlesex at Lord’s on April 4. His addition brings significant experience to Emirates Old Trafford, which head coach Dale Benkenstein emphasized as crucial for Lancashire’s promotion ambitions following their 2024 relegation.
Lancashire had initially hoped to re-sign New Zealand allrounder Daryl Mitchell, who excelled during his 2023 stint, but Mitchell instead secured a high-value Platinum deal with PSL team Lahore Qalandars.
Harris, who has 12 Test appearances for Australia, was part of the 2019 Ashes series, including the match at Old Trafford where Australia retained the urn. Although he narrowly missed a Test recall for Australia’s most recent home series, his domestic form has been impressive. He has scored 445 runs at an average of 49.44 in the ongoing Sheffield Shield for Victoria.
With a wealth of county cricket experience, Harris has represented Leicestershire (2021 and 2024) and Gloucestershire (2022 and 2023), averaging 48.39 across 29 first-class matches with nine centuries.
"I am thrilled to join Lancashire for the English summer and will give my best to help the team achieve promotion to Division One," Harris said in a statement from the club. "Emirates Old Trafford holds special memories for me after retaining the Ashes there in 2019. I’ve enjoyed playing county cricket in recent years and look forward to this new challenge."
Mark Chilton, Lancashire's Director of Cricket Performance, praised Harris’ credentials: "Marcus brings international quality and a consistent track record of runs at the top of the order. He has performed strongly in England during his stints with Leicestershire and Gloucestershire. His availability for most of the Championship season and his One-Day Cup experience will be invaluable as we push for promotion."
Harris will team up with veteran England pacer James Anderson, who recently extended his contract with Lancashire, and West Indies fast bowler Anderson Phillip, who will play the first 11 Championship matches until July.
Updated on 24th January, 2025 by MyFortune11 Team.