The last thing we need to do is panic and drop half the team. It's partly to blame for our performance this test. Should've picked the same XI from game one, Maxwell and Starc were utterly useless.
Definitely missing Harris, but sadly he has a limited lifespan anyway. He's important for Johnson as well, allows Johnson to just bowl as quick as he needs to rather than also being the pressure guy. Johnson has bowled pretty well though this series on pitche giving him nothing.
We certainly are dead average on slow wickets. Partly that's because our players grow up on fast, bouncy wickets. It's crucial to both how they bat and bowl, and with barely anything in the way of acclimitisation and only two tests they're up against it.
Pakistan have been very good though. They've simply outplayed us. I'm concerned over Clarkes back, and im sick of throwing whoever the newest player is in at number three, I think that's madness. I think it's also worth saying that the toss has been pretty important, regardless of pitch it's a different mentality going fresh into the game or starting 500 behind in your innings.
Mitch Marsh is a funny one. Been stronger with ball than bat in first class cricket, his battng looks a fair bit better here though. Probably in part the pitches again.
Steve Smith continues to impress, he'll be around a long time, just has a great mentality now that they seem to realise that was his strength all along, and his technique has tightened up somewhat to boot. Still could cause trouble (particularly in a bad run of form) but have been impressed with him.
