Ryan Harris reflects on ‘ball of the century’ and 2013-14 Ashes dominance

Ryan Harris reflects on 'ball of the century' and 2013-14 Ashes dominance

Ryan Harris, the former Australian fast bowler known as the 'Rhino,' has opened up about his pivotal role in the 2013-14 Ashes series, where his partnership with Mitchell Johnson dismantled England in a historic 5-0 whitewash. Harris, whose physics-defying delivery to dismiss Alastair Cook was dubbed ESPN Cricinfo's 'ball of the century,' shared insights into the mental and physical battles that defined the series, as well as the camaraderie that fueled Australia's relentless performance.

The unsung hero of a legendary series

While Mitchell Johnson's explosive pace stole headlines during the 2013-14 Ashes, Harris played the role of the steady, relentless force at the other end. Together, the duo claimed 59 wickets across the series, with Harris's precision complementing Johnson's raw aggression. The right-armer's career nearly never happened-rejected early by South Australia and plagued by a chronic knee injury-but his late-blooming success became a cornerstone of Australia's revival.

Harris recalled the pressure of the 2010-11 Ashes, where Australia suffered a 3-1 home defeat to England, a series that haunted Johnson and reshaped his approach. "He was so intense," Harris said of Johnson. "Everything got to him. But after a break, he came back refreshed, with a clearer perspective on life beyond cricket." That transformation set the stage for their dominant 2013-14 campaign.

'Ball of the century': The delivery that stunned Cook

Harris's most iconic moment came in Perth during the third Test, where his first-ball dismissal of England captain Alastair Cook left the batsman-and the cricketing world-stunned. The delivery, which swung late to clip the top of off stump, was later hailed as ESPN Cricinfo's 'ball of the century.'

"My body was hurting, but I just let it go. The ball felt good, and the rest is history."

Ryan Harris

Despite his physical struggles, Harris's instinct took over. "I don't know why I didn't stop," he admitted. "But sometimes, you just trust it." The wicket symbolized Australia's psychological edge, as England crumbled under Johnson's pace and Harris's precision.

Australia's ruthless turnaround

The 2013-14 Ashes marked a dramatic shift from Australia's 2010-11 humiliation. Under new coach Darren Lehmann, the team adopted a 'we over me' mentality, uniting a fractured squad. Harris described the pre-series meeting where Lehmann scrapped individual pledges in favor of collective responsibility: "It was all about us being together."

Johnson's resurgence was central to the plan. "We saw the fear in England's eyes," Harris said. "Not physical fear, but the kind where they wondered, 'How do we score against this?'" The trio of Johnson, Harris, and Peter Siddle executed a ruthless strategy, targeting Cook and exploiting England's vulnerabilities.

Injury, retirement, and legacy

Harris's career ended prematurely due to a cracked tibia in 2015, forcing him into retirement after just 27 Tests-12 of them in Ashes contests. Half of his 113 Test wickets were English batters, a testament to his Ashes specialization. "I'd have loved more Tests," he reflected, "but I timed it right. When I played, it was for the Ashes."

His bond with Johnson and Siddle extended beyond the field. "They saw the pain I was in," Harris said of his final injury. "They cared enough to tell me to stop." Now coaching South Australia, Harris remains a student of the game, his legacy cemented by a delivery-and a series-that redefined Australian cricket.

Looking ahead: The 2025-26 Ashes

The next chapter of the storied rivalry begins on 21 November 2025, with Australia hosting England in Perth. Coverage will include live ball-by-ball commentary on BBC Sounds and the BBC Sport website, alongside in-play clips and daily analysis.