Ryan Harris signs as Queensland bowling mentor

Australia fast bowler Ryan Harris, who is still recovering from a knee surgery, has signed up as a bowling mentor with Queensland Cricket. In his new role, Harris will work with Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League, Queensland Bulls, Queensland Fire women's teams and the state's youth squads.

Stuart Law, the coach of Brisbane Heat and Bulls, said Harris could play a few games depending on the demands of Australia's international schedule. According to Law, with the revised player eligibility rules in the Big Bash League, Harris could take up a spot on the Heat's supplementary player list and could step in as a local replacement player.

"If a Shane Watson or Mitchell Johnson is unavailable due to national commitments and Ryan was available, then he could come into the team as a player during BBL 04," Law said. "Of course that would be a bonus if it happened - all things being equal, we would expect him to be involved with the Australian side for much of the summer."

After the UAE tour, Australia are scheduled to host South Africa for a limited-overs series in November, followed by four Tests against India and a triangular series alongside India and England before the 2015 World Cup.

Harris underwent knee surgery in March after bowling Australia to a series win against South Africa in the Cape Town Test and his rehabilitation also ruled him out of the series against Pakistan. In the interim, he was the assistant coach of the Australia A squad during the home series against India A, South Africa A and the Cricket Australia National Performance Squad in July and August.