Downcast Harris fearing the worst

Chris Harris may have ended his international one-day career where it began after suffering a serious shoulder injury during New Zealand's 17-run loss to Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

A subdued Harris farewelled his team-mates yesterday before returning to Christchurch, where he is to see a specialist to determine if surgery is required on his torn right shoulder.

He suffered a similar injury when playing for Canterbury last season, but said the current problem was more severe.

"This time it's a lot worse; last time it just stretched."

Intense pain ensured the 35-year-old had a sleepless night as he pondered his international career, 13 seasons after he made his debut at the SCG in 1990-91.

"I hope to play again [this summer], but it's too soon to tell," Harris said, his right arm supported by a sling.

"I landed awkwardly and it popped out - fortunately it went back in, but it's not all great news. The pain is pretty bad."

The popular allrounder's 250th international cap turned sour when he made a sprawling save at mid-wicket in the 20th over - as he was warming up for his first over.

Helped from the ground, he had a scan at a nearby hospital before returning to watch the end of the Australian innings.

Harris was initially advised not to bat and at 86 for six would not have bothered, but a lower-order flurry from Chris Cairns, Brendon McCullum, Daniel Vettori and Kyle Mills inspired him to defy doctor's orders.

"I wasn't going to bat, but when Millsy hit the first six [of four] we got into a situation where we thought we had a chance of winning and I wanted to get out there.

"When he hit the first off Darren Lehmann I started to get the gear on. We were 40 to 50 away, but I thought the momentum was changing a little bit.

"I thought if I got out there and kept the bowlers out at one end, then Millsy might be able to do the job."

When Vettori was run out with 26 required at a run-a-ball to reach the 262 victory target, team-mates had already clamoured to help get him ready.

"Everyone chipped in and was trying to throw gear on. They were asking me what am I going to do? Bat right-handed? With one hand . . .

"I told Millsy I'll try to stay there, you've got to win it for us."

Harris eked four off six balls, but was yorked by Glenn McGrath to end the tourists' bold chase at 244 in the 48th over.

- NZPA