TAUNTON has been well represented in the recent Sri Lanka versus England series due to the exploits of Jack Leach and Jos Buttler.

What may be more unexpected, however, is that the town will also have a link to the upcoming battle between Australia and India.

Marcus Harris, who has spent two summers as the overseas pro at Taunton Cricket Club, has been selected in the hosts' squad by former Somerset captain Justin Langer and is expected to open the batting in the first Test in Adelaide on Thursday (December 6).

During his first stint at the club as a 17-year-old in 2010, Harris lived with Taunton wicketkeeper Jon Kerslake - and the only way was up for the Australian after a torrid journey here.

"I remember his arrival was delayed by the Icelandic ash cloud, which came over just before he was due to set off," Kerslake recalls.

"We were in [WEPL] Premier 1 that year after back-to-back promotions and it was a tough season, but Marcus' ability really stood out.

"He was quite a shy lad in that first stint, but when he came back in 2015 he had developed so much as a person and a cricketer.

"As an example, there was a match at Bath in 2010 where he went for a big shot and nicked off first ball. In 2015, there were times when it looked as if he would never get out.

"Against Potterne, he opened the batting with Tom Abell and the pair of them were magnificent. They dispatched the bowlers to all parts."

Harris hit 84 from 59 balls in an opening stand of 147 in that particular match, while Abell went on to make 131 - and it was not just on the field that Harris made an impression.

"My lads were about five and eight when he was over in 2010 and they loved playing cricket in the garden with him," Kerslake said.

"He was also very active in coaching the youngsters at the club and really showed the value of a good overseas player.

"I played with Graeme Rummans [who played First Class cricket for New South Wales] for Milverton about 20 years ago, who was brilliant, and Marcus was the best I've seen since then.

"It will be interesting to see how he goes in the Test environment. His style is reminiscent of David Warner - they are both stocky left-handers who like to be positive, though I think Marcus is a nicer bloke."

Harris is far from the only talented Australian to have pitched up at Gipsy Lane in recent years - Josh Phillipe, who was with Taunton in 2016, has just been snapped up by Sydney Sixers to play in this winter's Big Bash.

Leach's exploits with England, meanwhile, mean a rather unusual Ashes reunion could be on the cards if both he and Harris continue their upwards trajectory between now and the summer.

"They played against each other in 2010 - Marcus for us and Jack for Taunton Deane," Kerslake said (click here for the scorecard).

"It would be really nice to see them come up against each other in the summer. It's great for players locally to see what some of these players have gone on to achieve.

"There will be quite a few of us staying up until the early hours to watch Marcus next week - as a club, we are delighted for him."