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Marcus North knew he was “under the pump”. Young NSW all-rounder Steven Smith was in the Test squad and under consideration for a place in the side for the first Test against New Zealand, while North hadn’t made a strong case after averaging under 30 in Shield cricket this summer.
North’s form in the baggy green wasn’t any better, scoring 207 runs at 23.00 in six home Tests.
His three centuries in 13 Tests showed he could match it with the best international attacks, but he just hadn’t been showing it lately.
However some tutelage this week from assistant coach Justin Langer and captain Ricky Ponting helped get North in the right frame of mind.
Resuming on Saturday on 52, North put aside his form struggles with a stylish five-hour knock of 112.
The West Australian hit 11 fours and two sixes and his 253-run partnership with Michael Clarke (168) was a fifth-wicket record for Australia against New Zealand.
“Walking into a Test match under the pump isn’t easy,” North said on Saturday.
“I was more proud of the fact that I came in and made the most of my start on a pretty good batting wicket.
“The selectors have backed me and picked me for this Test.
“Without doubt the pressure was there and when you haven’t made a lot of runs in the last couple of months, there is a lot of speculation about your position.
“It’s not a great feeling but you have to try and use the experience to motivate and focus on the job at hand.”
North said he spent this week working on a few subtle changes.
“Just my eyes weren’t as level as I thought they were and it enabled me to access the ball a bit better and play straight down the ground,” he said.
“It was something small but at this level it’s one of those little things that can make a big difference.”
North said the constant media speculation over his Test spot was “part of the gig”.
“When you’re representing your country at any elite sport there’s people – press, public – who are entitled to their opinion,” said North, 30.
“It was a learning experience for me, playing for Western Australia for a long period of time and never had my spot questioned.
“To get that over the last couple of months is something that I’ve had to deal with.
“Until it actually happens to you, you learn how to deal with it.
“It’s been an interesting process but it’s nice to be at the other end of it.”
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