Harris, Pucovski warn selectors with record partnership

Bengaluru, November 2: Out-of-favour Australia opener Marcus Harris and his partner Will Pucovski issued a stern warning to selectors as they scored double centuries en route to setting a new record for the biggest partnership in Sheffield Shield history.

The pair shared in a massive 486-run opening stand for Victoria against South Australia, surpassing the previous mark of 464 set by Waugh twins -- Steve and Mark -- for New South Wales in 1990.

The record partnership was finally ended when Harris, who has not played a Test since being dropped following the 2019 Ashes against England, finally fell for 239, caught behind off the bowling of Wes Agar.

The partnership is finally broken.

Marcus Harris is out for 239.

His partnership with Will Pucovski (233*) was worth 486 - the highest partnership in Sheffield Shield history.

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It left Pucovski in the middle and he remained unbeaten on 255 when captain Peter Handscomb declared at 564 for three.

Pucovski, one of Australia's brightest prospects, has been on the cusp of Test selection for the past two summers, but has battled mental health problems.

Pucovski takes himself out of contention for Australia Test selection

He was in the national set-up for Tests last summer against Sri Lanka, but after being overlooked for the first and again missing out on selection for the second he was released to return home and deal with his issues.

The 22-year-old said last week he was ready to fight for a Test spot again.

"I just feel like I'm in a really good space now, which is awesome, just in everyday life and with my cricket," he said.

"I don't have much control over whether they pick me or not, but I'm definitely very keen."

Their exploits will cause incumbent Test openers Joe Burns and David Warner to sit up and take notice, with Langer's squad for an upcoming four-Test home series against India yet to be announced.

India have already named the touring party.

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Warner is currently leading Sunrisers Hyderabad in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) 2020 at the UAE.

The IPL will conclude on November 10 and most of the Aussie players figuring in it including Aaron Finch, who leads the side in the shorter format, will be undergoing a six-day mandatory quarantine as part of the COVID-19 protocols.

(With inputs from Agencies)