Oz Test centurion North hungry for more success

Johannesburg, Feb.28 (ANI): Having scored a combative 117 in his debut Test, 29-year-old Australian all rounder Marcus North, is keen to deliver some more of the same at the international level.

North was extremely upset upon his dismissal, and that in itself, is an indication of his approach to the game.

The 29-year-old West Australian scored almost 9000 first-class runs before winning a baggy green. He has also become the 18th Australian to score a century on debut.

North and Mitchell Johnson (96 not out) had steered Australia from 7-296 to 8-413 with a record partnership of 117 but North clearly wasn't satisfied.

"When you have been waiting for an opportunity for such a long time, once you get that you are pretty hungry to make the most of it," North said after day two of the first Test at Johannesburg's Wanderers Stadium.

"And that's probably where I am at the moment. Every time I am going to get to play for Australia, I am going to make the most of it. I'm never happy to get out. I was beaten by the bowler this time.

"Mitch was out there for me and we were building on a partnership and I was really enjoying batting with Mitch and doing a job for Australia and getting us in a really healthy position. So whenever that is kind of taken away from you, whether it's my stupidity through a shot or good bowling, it's always pretty disappointing."

North hit 12 fours in his six-hour innings.

"I'm pretty chuffed, very pleased to get an opportunity to play for Australia, let alone get a hundred on debut.

"I'll be looking forward to getting on the phone and having a chat to my wife (Joanne). I'm sure she would have been a little bit nervous at times today but she has been a great support for me." (ANI)