He may have shone with the bat, but Australian off-spinner Nathan Hauritz has realised that he must finally deliver with the ball and spin Australia to victory in the final innings of the MCG Test before selectors lose patience.
Hauritz, who scored 75 in Australia's first innings, knows that he faces a bigger challenge ahead, after chairman of selectors Andrew Hilditch said he would need to show them he was capable of bowling sides out.
''I personally thought he (Hilditch) was spot on the money. I haven't had a great opportunity, I've had a couple of games - Melbourne last year, Sydney last year, and Perth - they're my three innings of bowling in the fourth innings. But I completely understand where he's coming from. It's my job to create those opportunities on the fourth and fifth day, whether it be the third innings or fourth innings. I know that's one area of my game I've got to improve,” the Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hauritz, as saying.
''I've definitely taken that on board … It's just a matter of myself learning what I can do and working with the three quicks and [Shane Watson] there to try and create wins for us on the last day,'' he added.
Hauritz expects little assistance from the MCG pitch.
''Every opportunity that I get is a great challenge at the moment, Pakistan are great players of spin and this wicket had a little bit of bounce in it,'' he said.
Hauritz has been struggling with plantar fasciitis - a painful heel injury - and a groin strain, but said it would not affect his bowling.
