North disappointed with ill-timed injury
February 20, 2012 17:46:06 UK
Western Australian captain Marcus North has said that he is extremely disappointed to miss out on the opportunity to play his first ever Sheffield Shield final.
However, he has put his faith in his teammates and believes that his comrades are perfectly capable of capturing the title without him.
The Warriors recently inflicted a historical defeat over New South Wales and while the innings and 323-run win was a source of joy for the Warriors, it came at a price for North. The former Australian international dislocated his finger and severely damaged the tendon, which means that his domestic season is effectively over.
South Australia are 10/11 to get the win in the Ryobi Cup final against Tasmania, who themselves are 10/11 to emerge victorious.
The win has elevated them to the top of the Shield table and with just two games left in the season; they are in the pole position to make the finals.
Since North's first class debut in the 1999-2000 season, Western Australia have never qualified for the Sheffield Shield finals and now that they are on the verge of doing just that, the veteran batsman's injury is preventing him from playing in it.
"There's never a good time for an injury but unfortunately it's come at the back end of the season when we're playing some pretty good cricket. It's devastating, to be honest ... It's going to be pretty hard to take," North said.
"We've played some great cricket and hopefully they can top it off with making a Shield final and if they do I'll just have to live with the fact I won't be playing in it. But I've contributed and been part of the group, which is something I'd be very proud of," he added.
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