Ryan Harris joins up with Brisbane Heat as bowling coach

Harris will spend the first half of the campaign with Heat, before coaching Australia’s Under-19 side at the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, which begins in mid-January in South Africa

Ryan Harris has re-joined Brisbane Heat, the team for whom he played in the early days of the Big Bash, as the outfit’s bowling coach.

The former Australia fast bowler was the club’s first ever signing in the first edition of the tournament, before playing a part in Heat’s title campaign a year later.

He will join head coach Darren Lehmann and his assistant James Hopes for the first half of the competition’s ninth edition.

Harris’ time in the coaching role will be slightly truncated, however; he is coaching Australia’s Under-19 side at the 2020 Under-19 World Cup, which begins in mid-January in South Africa.

Gavin Fitness has also been added to the coaching staff; he has previously worked with Chris Lynn as a personal coach to the Australian batsman.

Lehmann said of Harris’ appointment: “We used Ryan as a bowling mentor early in the BBL when he was returning from injury, and I know Dan Vettori had him on his staff in a similar role a few years ago,’’ he said.

“I was lucky enough to captain Ryan as a grade cricketer, a rookie player and as a state cricketer. He was one of the most-talented players I had ever seen.

"We’re really pleased we can continue his growth as a coach as I know he has a lot to offer Australian cricket in that regard.

"It will be great to know he will be heading on from us to help the Australian Under-19 players pursue their dreams of a World Cup.”

^{Ryan Harris will work alongside head coach Darren Lehmann}

Earlier in October, Harris and Michael Hussey were both revealed to have joined up with Australia’s T20 squad ahead of their double-header series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

Harris, who also holds a high-performance coaching role at the country’s National Cricket Centre in Brisbane, has been working with Australia’s bowlers.

During his playing career, he also played T20 cricket in the Indian Premier League for Deccan Chargers and Kings XI Punjab.

“I really enjoyed my time as a player with the Heat, and it was where I got an opportunity to dip my toe in the water with regards to coaching,” he said.

“It’s another great chance for me to improve my coaching experience with ‘Boof’ and get ready to work with some of the country’s most talented young players at the Under-19 World Cup next year,” he added.