in 1947–48, harvey played in two shield matches with his brothers merv and ray. merv had already gained test selection, but soon neil was attracting more attention. in the opening match of the season, harvey struck 87 against the touring indian cricket team. he was selected for an australian xi, which played the indians before the tests in what was effectively a dress rehearsal. he made 32 in the first innings and was unbeaten on 56 in the second as the hosts succumbed for 203 and suffered a 47-run loss. despite this, he was initially overlooked for the tests. he reached 35 in each of his next five innings for victoria, including two fifties.