Ryan Harris was 'all footloose, fancy-free' in early cricket days: Report

The Australian media has revealed that Test bowler Ryan Harris once boozed and punted his way through his first cricket contract.

According to News.com.au, the big-hearted paceman is now carrying Australia's Ashes hopes on his shoulders but it was a different story back in 2000 when he inked his first South Australian contract, worth 12,500 dollars.

That is almost 2000 dollars less than what Harris now gets paid a Test with current match payments set at 14,400 dollars, the report said.

While Harris is now planning to have a family with his wife Cherie, it was all about living footloose and fancy-free in his early cricket days, the report added.