After spending time in Bangladesh with the Australian test team recently, Ryan Harris admits it’s taking some time to get used to being around the national under 16s side.
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But seeing the likes of Dubbo’s Brock Larance attack the ball with real freedom has helped him appreciate the talent he's working with.
Former Australian quick Harris, who claimed 113 wickets in 27 tests, coaches the Cricket Australia XI side, the national under 16s outfit, which has won it’s first two matches at the Cricket Australia Under 17s National Championships on the Sunshine Coast.
Harris, who has coached the national under 19s in the past, took on the job after touring Bangladesh as the Australian test side’s bowling coach last month.
He has seen his young team start well and Larance starred in the side’s second win, making 60 from just 45 balls.
“It’s quite refreshing, to be honest,” Harris told the Daily Liberal after Tuesday’s win over Tasmania.
“I didn’t know many of them, I didn’t know them at all really but they’ve gelled well and we had one good trial on Saturday and to see how they’ve started is outstanding.
“It’s fantastic to see the freedom and excitement.”
The cricket community within Dubbo and the wider region is all too aware of Larance’s talents.
The hard-hitting youngster tore attacks apart last summer on his way to finishing as the RSL-Whitey Cup’s top-scorer while he also scored runs for fun on the junior representative scene.
The CYMS opening bat, coming in at number three for the CA XI, failed to trouble the scorers in his side’s first game at the Championships but responded against Tasmania, confirming his status as one of the country’s most exciting young players.
“He missed out on day one but he just played the way he obviously does. He loves hitting the ball and that’s not a bad thing,” Harris said.
“If the ball is there to do it then go for it but if he goes at one and gets caught in the slips then that’s when I’ll talk to him.
“His only mistake today was no going on to get a big century. There was still 15 or 20 overs to go so he could have gone on with it.”
Larance stated it’s been “special” to play under someone with a career as decorated as Harris’.
“I’ve not been coached by someone like him and he’s been really helpful to everyone,” Larance said, before speaking about his own goals for the rest of the tournament.
“Just to have fun. On day one I didn’t feel good but today (Tuesday) I felt better and just having fun on the field and enjoying it with the boys.
“I wouldn’t mind making a couple more fifties and if I can get there hopefully I can go on and get a big one.”
The CA XI, as well as the ACT/NSW Country side featuring fellow Dubbo youngster Henry Railz, enjoyed a rest day on Wednesday.
Railz made 21 and took 1/51 from 10 overs on day one before missing his side’s second game through illness.
The Dubbo stars will go head-to-head when their sides meet on Friday.