Harris appointed to coaching role

Test star Ryan Harris was named as an assistant coach of Australia A (view squad here) for a bumper winter cricket schedule to be held in the nation’s top end.

The 34-year-old will provide his expertise to a squad set to take on South Africa A and India A in a series of first-class and limited overs matches ahead of an away tour in the UAE against Pakistan and a blockbuster Australian summer in 2014/15.

Current Australia batting coach Michael Di Venuto has been appointed head coach for the series to be held in the Northern Territory and Queensland in July/August.

While Harris is expected to use the series as a chance to rehabilitate from his various ailments, it will also provide him an opportunity to hone his coaching skills with an eye to life after cricket.

"When it was offered to me I jumped at it. I didn't think it (a coaching opportunity) would come up so soon," Harris told cricket.com.au on Tuesday.

"When Darren (Lehmann) was at Queensland with the Heat he let me go away on a couple of trips as bowling coach, which gave me some experience.

"(But) I've still got a lot to learn."

Much has been made of his struggles with injury throughout his career – his effort on the final day in Cape Town is now part of cricket folklore – but Harris is confident he has plenty more cricket left in him, with the 2015 Ashes series in England a clear goal.

Quick Single: Harris is feeling good as new

"It's not a new knee, but it feels like a new knee," said Harris post-surgery in March.

"It's nowhere near my career (being) over.

"I did this to play longer, more than anything.”

View: The Australia A squad