Harris became the first person to make a Test half-century at Perth Stadium on Friday when he scored 70 off 141 balls during the second Test against India.

The 26-year-old defied predictions of a bowler-friendly wicket to combine with Aaron Finch for a 112-run opening stand, helping Australia to reach 6-277 at stumps.

But his dismissal was far from textbook.

Facing spinning allrounder Hanuma Vihari, Harris was caught off guard when the ball hit a crack and rocketed to shoulder height.

Cramped for room, Harris guided the ball straight to slip, ending his brave innings.

"I think Marcus Harris getting bumped out by a 100km/h offspinner, it might have been the first time for a while in Test cricket," his opening partner Aaron Finch said with a laugh.

Earlier in the innings, Harris watched on in disbelief as a Mohammed Shami delivery bounced so low it almost rolled.

Finch praised the way Harris handled the conditions.

"Not a real lot fazes him," Finch said.

"He's a pretty chilled-out character who just goes with the flow.

"I think the tightness of his technique - covers his stumps, looks to hit down the ground. And for a such short guy, that can be quite unique at times.

"He's definitely got all the shots. And I think the way he adapts his game and game plan, depending on the wicket and the attack, it will hold him in great stead going forward."

Harris started cautiously, failing to score off his first 15 deliveries.

But he unleashed some glorious strokes once he started to feel more comfortable.

Although Harris plays for Victoria these days in state ranks, he remains a West Australian at heart, and had been eager to post a big score in front of family and friends.

Harris was eight years old when he watched his first Test live.

One of his favourite memories was witnessing Glenn McGrath's hat-trick against the West Indies in 2000 at the WACA.

In 39-degree heat on Friday, Harris cracked 10 boundaries in his fighting knock.

Not bad for a player once rated "mediocre with flashes of brilliance" by Justin Langer, who made that comment when Harris defected in 2016 from WA to Victoria.

Australian Associated Press