North pulls up stumps

Former Test batsman and reigning Bupa Sheffield Shield Player of the Year Marcus North has surprised the cricket community by announcing his retirement from the game in Australia, effective immediately.

North, 34, made his announcement in Perth today just weeks after playing for Western Australia in the Shield final that was ultimately won by New South Wales.

It completed a productive but tragic summer for the left-hander in which the fact that he finished the Shield season as the nation's second-highest runs scorer was overshadowed by the death of his older brother, Lucas, in a road accident in November.

Quick Single: Tragedy for North family 

The tragedy occurred while North was taking part in a Shield match against Queensland in Perth, and while he took no further part in that game he returned to finish the domestic first-class season with 840 runs at an average of 76.36 with three centuries.

He was subsequently named as captain of the Australian Cricketers' Association Sheffield Shield Team of the Year.

"I really enjoyed arguably one of the best seasons in my career, but it’s exhausting and I’ve got to the stage now where it’s a big effort to maintain that over a season," he said.

"When the times get tough and you feel that you’re not going to be able to drag yourself out of it, well I’ve always said that’s about time to move on and that’s how I feel.

“The guys are in a really good place now and you’re starting to see the influence of Justin (Langer) and his coaching group coming through. We’re playing a tougher brand of cricket now and there’s a tougher attitude within the group.

“It’s their journey now and it’s time for them to enjoy that."

During his 15-year first-class career the left-hander played 21 Tests, two ODIs and one T20 match for Australia with the highlight of his international career undoubtedly being the 117 he scored in his debut Test innings against South Africa at Wanderers in Johannesburg in February, 2009.

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North also scored two hundreds during the 2009 Ashes series in England, as well as centuries against New Zealand (at Wellington) and India (at Bangalore) in 2010 to finish with a Test record of 1171 runs at an average of 35.48.

He also forged a reputation as something of an all-rounder with his handy off-spin bowling netting him 14 Test wickets including a career-best 6-55 against Pakistan at Lord's in July, 2010.

His final Test came in Adelaide during the 2010-11 Ashes series in Australia, and during his career he was appointed captain of the Alcohol. Think Again Western Warriors in 2007-08 and the Perth Scorchers in the KFC Big Bash League before standing down from both positions in October, 2012.

Quick Single: North wins top Sheffield gong

Cricket Australia boss James Sutherland has paid tribute to North saying: "Marcus has been a great player for Western Australia over a long and decorated playing career, fittingly capped off this season when he was named the Sheffield Shield Player of the Season. 

"Not only has he had a great domestic career, but Marcus was a valuable contributor at international level. 

"I'm sure he holds fond memories and he should be very proud of his Test debut against South Africa at The Wanderers in 2009 when he scored a century in his first Test innings to become the first West Australian and the 18th Australian to score a century on debut.

"Australian cricket will certainly be poorer without Marcus on the field, however we certainly wish him and his family all the very best in the next stage of his life."