After being dropped last season for the first time in his 10-year career, Western Australian veteran Marcus North needed a new challenge.
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That is exactly what coach Justin Langer gave him.
A move to the opening spot has paid dividends, with North completing a remarkable turnaround to be named the Sheffield Shield player for the 2013-14 season.
The 34-year-old former Test batsman will play a key role for the Warriors if they are to break their 16-year Shield drought in the final with NSW starting on Friday at Manuka Oval.
Lifting the silverware would cap off a remarkable renaissance for North, who will play despite suffering a badly bruised toe at the hands of Blues paceman Josh Hazlewood last week.
North has had an outstanding season, finishing as the competition's leading run-scorer with 884 runs at an average of 68 with three centuries.
His playing future was in doubt after going through a form slump last season, resulting in him losing his place in the team.
"I couldn't manage to get any form or confidence and found myself out of the side for the first time in 10 years,'' North said.
"Justin challenged me in an opening position.
"It's something I haven't done since my under-age days and gave me a new focus.
"It makes it even more pleasing to do it at a stage of my career towards the end, after having a difficult season by my standards and being able to fight back.''
WA dominated the Shield team of the year with five players – North, Adam Voges, wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman and fast bowlers Jason Behrendorff and Michael Hogan – winning selection.
NSW spinner Stephen O'Keefe is the leading wicket-taker with 40 at 20.48, while batsman Ryan Carters (789 runs at 56.36) forced his way in on the back of a weight of runs.
South Australia's Phil Hughes and Tom Cooper, Victoria's Glenn Maxwell and Queensland stalwart James Hopes round out the team.
North turns 35 in July and will reassess whether he will play on after speaking with Langer and WA Cricket Association officials during the off-season.
"I want to be injury free and I don't want to be a more mature player keeping younger players out if I'm not performing and contributing and winning games of cricket for Western Australia,'' he said.
"I've ticked those boxes this year and it's been one of the most enjoyable seasons.
"I'm out of contract and I won't be playing for any other state, so it's a matter of sussing things out when the dust settles and discussing my future.''
