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Cricket great Justin Langer believes Marcus North can follow in the footsteps of Chris Rogers by earning a Test recall in his mid-30s.
North scored five centuries over 21 Tests before being dumped midway through the Ashes three years ago.
The former Warriors skipper sunk to such depths last summer that he considered quitting the game after being dropped back to club ranks.
Now 34, North is still in the early stages of re-establishing himself in Western Australia’s Sheffield Shield line-up.
The elegant left-hander showed signs of his class last week when he batted through an entire day in scoring an unbeaten century to help WA fight out a draw against Victoria at the MCG.
Warriors coach Langer described that innings as the best he’d ever seen by a West Australian, and urged national selectors to consider North as part of their future Test plans.
Rogers’ own Test career appeared over when he was dumped at the age of 30 after just one appearance for Australia.
But the opener was recalled at the age of 35 for the recent Ashes series in England, where he scored 367 runs at an average of 40.8.
Rogers is now a vital part of Australia’s plans for this summer’s return bout against England, and Langer said North shouldn’t give up on his own dreams of a Test recall.
“Chris Rogers is a shining example to everyone in Australia that if you keep making runs (you can earn a recall),” Langer said.
“And that’s how it should be in Australian cricket selection. Whether you’re 16 or 36, if you’re the best player in Australia, you should be selected.
“Last week’s performance by Marcus North – it wasn’t just a good day – it was probably the best innings I’ve ever seen by a West Australian cricketer.
“And anyone who has got five Test hundreds has to be (considered). If you can open the batting, you can bat anywhere in the order.”
North will again open for WA in their Shield clash with South Australia at the WACA Ground, starting on Wednesday.
The match will take on extra importance for Warriors paceman Mitchell Johnson and Redbacks batsman Phil Hughes, who are both aiming to earn selection for the first Test against England in Brisbane, starting November 21.
WA have been bolstered by the return of captain Adam Voges, Mitch Marsh and Johnson.
All-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile has been rested despite his limited game time during Australia’s ODI series in India, while Shaun Marsh will play for Australia A in the tour game against England.
WA squad: Adam Voges (capt), Cameron Bancroft, Marcus North, John Rogers, Will Bosisto, Mitch Marsh, Sam Whiteman, Ashton Agar, Mitchell Johnson, Jason Behrendorff, Michael Hogan, Nathan Rimmington (12th man to be named)
SA squad: Johan Botha (capt), Tom Cooper, Travis Head, Phil Hughes, Trent Lawford, Tim Ludeman, Joe Mennie, James Munting, Elliot Opie, Sam Raphael, Chadd Sayers, Kelvin Smith, Adam Zampa (one to be omitted, 12th man to be named).
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