Lehmann my biggest influence: Harris

Ryan Harris is drawing on lessons learned from Australia coach Darren Lehmann as he embarks on his new career.

The former Test quick, who is currently coaching the Cricket Australia XI at the Under-19 National Championships in Adelaide, believes if he can become even half the mentor Bupa Support Team coach Lehmann is, he’ll go a long way in the coaching caper.

"I’ve known him for a long time and the way he coaches is fantastic," Harris said of Lehmann.

"I’m taking bits and pieces from what he did, keeping things pretty simple, not telling them what to do but allowing them to come to me and ask questions.

"If I can get half of those things right, hopefully I’ll be a good coach."

Harris played with Lehmann at South Australia in the twilight of the latter's playing career, and again linked up with 'Boof' when he was took over the Australian head coaching role in 2013.

Since his sudden retirement ahead of the first Ashes Test in Cardiff, Harris has made his coaching ambitions clear.

Having already dabbled his toes in the coaching game with the Australia A side in 2014, Harris was assistant coach of the Prime Minister's XI against New Zealand in October and will also work with the Brisbane Heat during the KFC Big Bash League.

Next month, he will be assistant coach to Graeme Hick when Australia heads to the ICC Under-19 Cricket World Cup in Bangladesh.

"It’s going to be challenging up against some pretty good players around the world, bowlers will need to bowl dot balls and one-day change-ups and batters need to make sure they can get through tough period," Harris said of the upcoming challenge.

"It’s a great opportunity for me and something I’m looking forward to."

Harris’ Cricket Australia XI - a selection of the country's best under-17s - currently sit second in their pool and have advanced to the quarter finals in Adelaide, losing only two games throughout the preliminary stages.

For Harris, the toughest part of making the transition between playing and coaching is not being able to take the ball himself.

"The main difference I’m finding is that in the crunch situations, I can’t grab the ball and bowl and have more control over it.

For more information on the Cricket Australia Under 19 National Championships visit www.nationalchamps.com.au or @CAPathway