The left-handed opener will be available for the club’s County Championship and Metro Bank One-Day Cup campaigns until September. He is due to arrive in England ahead of Lancashire’s opener against Middlesex, starting at Lord’s on April 4.
Securing Harris’ status brings vital experience to Emirates Old Trafford, with manager Dale Benkenstein citing him as essential for an immediate return to Division One after County were relegated in 2024. Lancashire were keen to bring back New Zealand star Darryl Mitchell. Despite impressing with bat and ball during his limited spell in 2023, the all-rounder signed a lucrative platinum contract with PSL franchise Lahore Qalandars.
Harris has 12 Test caps for Australia, three of which came in the 2019 Ashes when the tourists secured the urn in Manchester. He came close to being recalled for the home Test series against Australia, but selectors opted for Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas.
The 32-year-old has been a consistent performer domestically and currently boasts 445 runs at an average of 49.44 for Victoria in the Sheffield Shield this season. He is also well-versed in county cricket following spells with Leicestershire (2021 and 2024) and Gloucestershire (2022 and 2023), averaging 48.39 in 29 first-class appearances for both teams with nine centuries.
“I am absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to join Lancashire for the English summer and will do my best to help this great club achieve promotion back to Division One of the County Championship,” Harris said in a statement from Lancashire on Thursday.
“Emirates Old Trafford holds special memories for me after retaining the Ashes there in 2019 and I know Nathan Lyon and Chris Green both spoke very highly of their time at the club.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time playing county cricket in England over the past few years and I’m really looking forward to continuing my excitement as I embark on a new challenge in Lancashire.”
Mark Chilton, Director of Cricket Performance, said: “Marcus is an experienced operator with international pedigree and a proven track record of leading run-scorers in domestic cricket in Australia and England.
“He has a strong record in England after playing a number of games for Leicestershire and Gloucestershire in recent years. We are looking forward to working with Marcus and believe he will play a key role as we seek promotion back to Division One. When you first ask.
“It was important for us to bring in someone with the right pedigree who could feature in the majority of this summer’s County Championship. Marcus will tick that box while also adding valuable experience to our team. One Day in August cup.”
West Indies quick Anderson Phillip is the club’s other overseas signing and could feature in the first 11 games of the Championship by July.
