One of Western Australia's most consistent players over the past five seasons, Marcus North was handed the state's captaincy for 2007-08 only to miss much of the season with a degenerative knee condition. It was January before he could actually take up the leadership on field and his Pura Cup campaign was limited to 184 runs at 26.28 from four games. However, he had a strong county season with Gloucestershire and was picked for Australia A's tour of India in September 2008. It continued North's career trend of being constantly on the fringes of the national setup without quite managing to jump to the head of the long batting queue. For several years he has ridden an outstanding form streak, which began in 2003-04 with 984 runs in the Pura Cup and a century against Zimbabwe for Australia A. He followed with Pura Cup tallies of 826, 712 and 680 before the knee problem struck. Always a dangerous one-day player as well, North blasted 115 from 85 balls in a limited-overs game against Tasmania in 2006-07 and will be a key for the Warriors in all formats in 2008-09.

A well-organised left-hander, North was afflicted by a casual attitude in his initial seasons as he made the transition from decorated youth player to senior squad member. He had significant success at under-age level, having been a member of several Academy and national junior sides and an elite scholar in 1998. He is particularly well remembered for a remarkable double of 200 and 134 at Sheikhupura during an Australian Youth team's tour of Pakistan in early 1997. His debut at first-class level came in 1998-99 on an Academy tour of Zimbabwe, and he quickly showcased his potential upon his elevation to senior interstate ranks the following season, hitting a brave 60 to help his team to a tense win over South Australia. An accurate part-time offspinner, North has become increasingly useful with the ball at both county and state level. An important top-order player for Western Australia, he times the ball exquisitely and has lightning reflexes in the field.
Cricinfo staff September 2008

• Blues get home despite North's 95 (Oct 8, 2008)
  
• Australia A salvage a draw (Sep 5, 2008)
  
• Rogers leads Derbyshire by example (Aug 18, 2008)
  
• Tight finishes around the country (Aug 10, 2008)
  
• Lancashire labour to Rayner and Lewry (Aug 6, 2008)
  

View the full list of 95 related articles

Apr 16, 2008 Marcus North unleashes a rasping pull © Getty Images

Mar 10, 2008 Marcus North shoulders Justin Langer off the field © Getty Images

Mar 10, 2008 Brett Dorey, Justin Langer, Tom Moody and Marcus North let their hair down © Getty Images

View the full list of 29 related images