Former Test batsman Marcus North continued his fine recent form with his second Sheffield Shield hundred of the summer for Western Australia against South Australia at Adelaide Oval on Wednesday.
North scored a patient 110 off 213 balls to put the Warriors on track before Ashton Agar (39 not out) and Sam Whiteman (30no) combined for an unbeaten 69-run stand as the visitors finished the day on 6-269.
Redbacks captain Johan Botha (4-71) was the pick of the home side’s bowlers and grabbed the vital scalp of North, while fellow spin bowler Adam Zampa (2-63) also chipped in.
After securing a draw for the Warriors against Victoria with a classy 118no in the Shield opener at the MCG two weeks ago, North ground out another century to repel the Redbacks and is now eyeing a Test recall.
The 34-year-old is the competition’s leading run-scorer thus far and his return to form comes on the back of a tough 2012-13 domestic season which saw him relinquish the captaincy and consider quitting cricket after being dropped to club level.
But North, who scored five tons in 21 Tests, is now hoping to follow in the footsteps of former WA teammate Chris Rogers and earn a Test return in his mid-30s.
Rogers was recalled for the last Ashes series at the age of 35 following a domestic purple patch when most considered his Test career over following his sole appearance in the baggy green five years ago.
“The tough times I’ve had in the last year or so is probably making me more determined. I’m hungrier in the position I am now,” North said.
“This is arguably one of my better domestic starts to the season and I want to build on it; make it last the whole season.
“I enjoyed every opportunity I got to play for Australia, it was some of the best years of my career and I never took it granted.
“I’ve just got to score a truck load more runs, keep enjoying my cricket and you never know.”
North admits he has felt revitalised in his new role at the top of the order and credited coach and former Test opener Justin Langer for the switch that has allowed him to find rhythm again.
Andrew
Guest
Don't see Bailey or (Colonel) Faulkner for that matter as long term Test players, but feel Marcus North has another 3-to-5 years of Test cricket in him to turn those 5 tons into a Damien Martyn 13 or so.
twodogs
Guest
He may have a valid chance. The average age of the team has been going 'north' of late.
Disco
Roar Guru
Sigh. And to think he captained a Test too.
Hookin' YT
Guest
"In his last 21 Tests, Australia’s current no. 3 has 1 ton, 3 ducks and is averaging 29.67." Kemosabe speaks truth 3 years, 21 Tests, 1187 runs, 40 innings, 1 ton, 3 ducks. Avge 29.67 Abysmal. How does he get retained? Ahh containment bowler. Sure ain't a strike one...last 21 Tests, 22 wickets http://www.howstat.com.au/cricket/Statistics/Players/PlayerProgressBat.asp?PlayerID=3017
Hookin' YT
Guest
Ahhh the containment bowler. Old days: 6 bats, 4 bowlers, 1 keeper. Now: 5 bats, 4 bowlers, 1 keeper and 1 containment bowler who can make runs when it doesn't count. Got it.
josh
Roar Rookie
Please. Stick to WA, get them out of the doldrums.
expathack
Guest
And of course we all remember North filling the role of containment bowler as well. You know, that ability North has to bowl 10 to 15 overs completely dry. Don't we???
Gr8rWeStr
Guest
There shouldn't be a quota in an Australian representative side, pick the team that's most likely to win the next match. Younger heads earn the place in the side through consistent performances at the lower level over a few seasons.
Gr8rWeStr
Guest
North 5 tons and 5 ducks. Australia's current no. 3 3 tons and 4 ducks. Similar career averages 35.48 to 36.12. In his last 21 Tests, Australia's current no. 3 has 1 ton, 3 ducks and is averaging 29.67.
AlanKC
Guest
Just how many 'old heads' can a team accommodate?
jameswm
Roar Guru
Rogers came in whern we needed an old head at the top of the order. In the middle order we already have Clarke and Smith, who will be there for a while. Bailey is the other right now, but others could force their way in to that spot, or I guess Bailey could make it his own for 5 years. North's got buckleys I'm afraid.
formeropenside
Guest
Hold on, let me think back....North - he's the guy who made all those ducks, right?
Hookin' YT
Guest
"North, who scored five tons in 21 Tests" Too high a conversion rate Marcus. 3 tons in 46 tests gets you automatically the No3 gig without playing a domestic game and with a suspect hamstring and heartilage.
ChrisUK
Guest
Is that a Graeme Swann I see dancing with joy?