North forced to fight for place

Marcus North says he has never taken his spot for granted but does not believe the third Test in Hobart will decide his immediate international future. North has scratched 20 runs in the series against Pakistan and is the most vulnerable in the order following Michael Hussey's return to form.

"Look, I don't feel like this is a disaster," North told the Sunday Herald Sun. "I've missed out the last two Tests. If I was feeling uncomfortable with my game, I'd be going out and seeking some advice from people. But I'm honestly feeling good. I know I can get a result next week."

North, the No. 6, has posted 8, 10 and 2 against Pakistan to follow his collection of 166 against West Indies in three Tests, which included two half-centuries. One of the major problems for North, who has three hundreds during his 12 Tests, is that he either scores heavily or fails early. He has been dismissed for less than 20 in 13 of his 20 innings, leaving him vulnerable if the selectors want to keep Phillip Hughes in the XI for Hobart if Simon Katich recovers from his elbow injury.

"I haven't lost my confidence," North said ahead of Thursday's final Test. "Why shouldn't I be going into this Test feeling positive? It's taken me 10 years to play for Australia, I've been part of this great team for a year and I've just been in an amazing Test win for my country. Obviously, I want more runs, but I'm living my dream and I want to keep it going for as long as possible.

"I feel I'm hitting the ball really well in the nets. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to stay out there long enough to build an innings and get that big score. It wasn't long ago that I hit 68 against the West Indies in Perth and two games later people are asking questions about me. I know I've got to start contributing and getting some runs. Hopefully, it starts this week."