From the Ashes is a series that explores untold stories from cricket’s fiercest rivalry. Leading up to the first Test between Australia and England in Perth on 21 November.
Some sporting legends shine in the spotlight — others make sure the lights stay on. For Mitchell Johnson’s thunderous Ashes of 2013-14, Ryan Harris was that man.
The moustachioed Johnson claimed 37 wickets in the 5-0 demolition of England. Yet at the other end, Harris — nicknamed Rhino for his aggression and endurance — was every bit as relentless.
Harris’ perfect delivery leaves Cook stunned
If Johnson was fire, Harris was precision. His searing in-ducker to bowl Alastair Cook in Perth became ESPN Cricinfo’s “ball of the century”. Kevin Pietersen later called him the best Australian seamer he faced — ahead of Johnson, McGrath and Lee.
But Harris’ story almost went a different way. Born to an English father, he could have represented England and even had a short stint with Sussex in 2008 before returning home. After being dropped by South Australia early in his career, he rebuilt his game in Queensland, learning to generate extra pace and consistency.
Late debut, quick impact, constant pain
By the time he made his Test debut at 31, injuries had already taken their toll. A persistent knee problem and a broken ankle meant his international career would be short but fierce. His debut came in 2010-11 — the last Ashes series England won in Australia.
“They were just relentless,” Harris told BBC Sport. “We’d walk back into the dressing room wondering how to get them out.”
Turning point before the 2013-14 redemption
After England’s 3-0 win in 2013, Australia’s camp was in turmoil — with coaching changes, controversies and David Warner’s bar fight dominating headlines. Darren Lehmann replaced Mickey Arthur and shifted the team’s mindset.
“Boof changed everything from ‘I will’ to ‘we will’,” Harris recalled. “It became about unity. When we left England, we knew the return series was our chance.”
Back home, Johnson found his rhythm again, bowling at frightening pace. Captain Michael Clarke told his fast bowlers: “You guys will win this for us.”
Dominance, fear, and that Cook dismissal
In Brisbane, Harris triggered England’s first collapse. In Adelaide, Johnson’s 7-40 destroyed them. But it was in Perth that Harris produced the unforgettable moment — Cook bowled by a ball that seemed to defy physics.
“I was hurting a bit,” Harris said. “Halfway through the run-up my head said ‘stop’, but I didn’t. It just felt right.”
The dismissal, from the first ball of England’s innings, set the tone for Australia’s Ashes triumph. “Ball of the century? That was my job,” Harris smiled.
End of the road and lasting respect
Harris finished the series with 22 wickets, combining with Johnson for 59 — effectively bowling England out six times between them. Two months later, he bowled through pain to seal a series win over South Africa.
By 2015, the toll was too much. A fractured knee forced him to retire before another Ashes series in England. “I was a mess,” he admitted. “Mitch and Sids told me, ‘You can’t keep doing this to your body.’”
Of his 27 Tests, 12 came in Ashes battles — half his wickets were Englishmen. His average and strike-rate stand among the best since 1900.
“Playing the Ashes was the dream,” he said. “I didn’t play many Tests, but I made them count. I had an impact — and I loved every minute.”
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