'I just try and be someone Ricky Ponting can rely on,' says North

Sydney, Nov 28(ANI): Australian batsman Marcus North has said that the team has its share of 'bling boys', but he is happy to work in the shadows and be a dependable batsman.

North may not have set pulses racing at the Gabba with his 79 runs, but halfway through his eighth Test he has scored 648 runs at an average of 54, including three centuries, a Test record to be proud of.

"I think, we have other players who can play that role and I just try and be someone Ricky Ponting can rely on," Fox Sports quoted North, as saying.

North further said that he has greatly admired Steve Waugh and Justin Langer.

"I really enjoyed watching Steve Waugh and admired what he did and being from Perth it was natural that I would admire Justin," he added.

Despite the record, the 30-year is still targeted in the media, as the man who should give way if all rounder and opener Shane Watson is shunted down the order.

First picked as much for his ability to give Australia an off-spin option in South Africa, North has quickly nailed his place in the middle-order, where his cricket smarts and maturity have also impressed influential figures to have him talked about as a potential successor to Ponting. (ANI)