Marcus Harris the "frontrunner" to open for Australia in the Ashes

Test captain Tim Paine says the Victoria batter is the leading contender to partner David Warner at the top of the order at The Gabba

Australia look set to retain Marcus Harris as their opening batter alongside David Warner for the first Ashes Test against England at The Gabba.

The 29-year-old started Australia's last Test against India at the same venue in January.

Harris has since enjoyed a fine run of form in the LV=Insurance County Championship with Leicestershire, scoring 655 runs at 54.58.

There are concerns over Will Pucovski after he suffered a 10th career concussion during training in Cricket Victoria's indoor nets.

And according to Test captain Tim Paine, Harris, who averages 23.77 from 10 Tests, is the man in possession.

“It’s a blow (Pucovsi's injury), no doubt,” Paine told SEN.

“In my opinion, he would’ve partnered David Warner in that first Test match, there’s no doubt about that.

“But Marcus Harris is probably the guy waiting for the opportunity and he’s just come back from a superb six months over in England playing for Leicestershire in county cricket and we know his first-class record has been outstanding for Victoria for a long time.

^{Pucovski was struck in the nets earlier this week}

“He's probably the frontrunner now for that role.”

Despite a history of head injuries, Paine is confident that there will be no lasting effect to Pucovski's latest knock.

“It’s not ideal, no doubt,” he added.

“Shattering when I found out. I’ve spoken to him a bit the last few days, he’s improving slowly, I don’t think it’s as bad as some of the others he’s had before. 

"But obviously with his history, we have to be very careful with anything around the brain.

“I was devastated to hear that’s it happened to him.

“He’s still hoping to be ready at some stage during this summer, so he’s got plenty of support around him and we know how good he is, there’s no need to rush him at the moment.

“He’s still 22-23 years of age, so he’s got a long time in the game if we get it right.”

The first Ashes Test at The Gabba gets underway on December 8.