Want to focus on Sydney Test before thinking about Ashes: Marcus Harris

In spite of being a favourite choice of former Australian captain Ricky Ponting for the 2019 Ashes, opener Marcus Harris on Saturday said that he is focusing on the final Test against India and the two Tests that follow against Sri Lanka before letting his mind think about the Ashes.

"We have still got a second innings here and another Test series before the Ashes is even to be worried about," Cricket Australia quoted Harris, as saying.

The 26-year-old blazed 79 off 120 balls, which included eight boundaries, in the first innings on day three at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Talking about batting performance, Harris said: "I feel like my game is in good order, I felt like I have been batting pretty well. There is still a bit of work to do but my game feels in good order."

"The thing as a batter is you always want to make hundreds, so I haven't done that yet. That is definitely one of my goals for the next innings and going forward," he added.

Pat Cummins (25*) and Peter Handscomb (28*) were holding the crease for Australia, before bad light ended the day's play early, owing to dark clouds that hovered around the stadium.

At stumps, Australia posted 236 for the loss of six wickets inside 84 overs.

The hosts are trailing by 386 runs with just four wickets left in hand.