Michael Clarke admits he tried everthing

The Australians are already in deep trouble after just one day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi with Younis Khan and Azhar Ali both ending the day with unbeaten centuries to leave Pakistan on 304/2.

As the day went on, to say Clarke was desperate for a wicket would be an understatement - the Aussie skipper tried everything.

He called on eight bowlers and employed some bizarre field settings, epitomised by his decision to send Mitchell Johnson to straight hit, a position rarely seen in the professional game.

However, Clarke's tactics only yielded two wickets and he could only watch on helplessly as for the second Test in a row, Pakistan piled on the runs.

"By the end of the day I didn't have too many ideas left. I think I tried everything," a perplexed Clarke told the media.

"(It was) a tough day, no doubt about it. As you would've seen, we tried everything. I think I tried just about everyone for a few overs there and some unorthodox fields.

"I think we probably missed a few chances once again though, which is disappointing. Our bowlers certainly tried everything, they fought hard."

Clarke was not the only one confused by the first day's play, with Ali admitting he had never seen a straight hit used at any stage of his career.

"I didn't have an idea that you could have one behind the bowler," Ali said.

"So I was a little distracted but the umpire told me if he doesn't move then there is no problem."He wasn't moving so it was fine."

Even the toss of the coin failed to go Clarke's way, with Pakistan electing to bat on a sluggish wicket.

Clarke refused to blame his lack of luck for his side's woes, however, and insisted Australia can still get something out the match.

"I don't think the toss of the coin should dictate the result of the game," he said.

"We're going to have an opportunity to bat on the wicket when it's still pretty good as well. You can't control that.

"We played in India not too long ago and we won every toss and lost that series. So the toss of the coin shouldn't dictate whether you win or lose the game."