Marcus North learning to cope with scrutiny

Australian middle order batsman and part time off spinner Marcus North says he is learning to cope with the constant scrutiny of his position in the Australian squad.

Following a lean home summer, he quietened the campaign to unseat him by scoring an unbeaten 112 and 90 in the two-match series in New Zealand.

"That's something I've learnt a lot during the Australian summer, where there is that scrutiny. I've learnt ways and techniques to filter that,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted North, as saying.

North, who turns 31 next week, strengthened his grip on his Test position a little by capturing 6-55 with his off-spin in Australia's 150-run win in the opening Test against Pakistan at Lord's last week.

But the left-hander, who has scored four centuries in his 16 Tests to date and averages 40.2, said that he had to be ready to cop criticism.

"That's the position of being a professional sportsman," he said.

"I don't look at it and be too unhappy about it,” he added.