Queensland fast bowler Ryan Harris is in doubt for the first Test against New Zealand, starting Friday in Wellington, with Australian selectors calling South Australian quick Peter George across the Tasman as cover.
Harris complained of soreness in his left side after the fourth match of the recent Chappell-Hadlee Trophy that the tourists won 3-2, forcing him to sit out the final game, and with poor weather in New Zealand preventing Australia from training outdoors the former Redback may not be selected.
"Ryan Harris reported some left-side soreness after the fourth ODI of the current series against New Zealand," said Australian physiotherapist Alex Kountouris said.
"Since then he has improved significantly and has bowled at low intensity for the last two training days."
"However, due to the inclement weather he was unable to bowl outdoors as planned today (Wednesday) and therefore it is not clear if he will be available for the first Test match."
"The plan is he will bowl again outdoors tomorrow and hopefully be passed fit to play."
With selectors reluctant to call on any of the players taking part in the Sheffield Shield final between Victoria and Queensland, which got underway at the MCG on Wednesday morning, George instead won the nod.
Having made his first-class debut for the Redbacks in 2008-09, George has taken 56 wickets in 16 matches, including 36 wickets in 10 games at 30.44 this summer, his best game coming against Tasmania in November when he grabbed 8-84 in the first innings en route to a match haul of 11-131.
Interestingly, George wasn't as prolific after the Shield's Christmas break as the KFC Twenty20 Big Bash was contested, claiming only 12 wickets in his final four games at 33.67, while New South Wales quick Trent Copeland grabbed an amazing 35 wickets in his five games after making his debut midway through the competition.
"Peter George is an exciting young fast bowler who has a very good Sheffield Shield season with South Australia," said National Selection Panel chairman Andrew Hilditch.
"The NSP believes that should the opportunity arise, Peter has the skills to succeed at this level and will benefit greatly from being around the Australian set up."