Nervousness almost did me in: North by CricketArchive Staff Reporter

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Player:	MJ North
Event:	Australia in British Isles 2009

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DateLine: 12th July 2009

 

Marcus North said he suffered from breathing problems in the moments leading to his ton and this nearly denied him his maiden Ashes 100.

 

The left-handed Australian batsman hit an unbeaten 125 to help his side post a daunting first innings total against England.

 

He reached his century in strange fashion as he made an unnecessary dive while stealing a single which eventually brought up his hundred.

 

"Leading into that I could hardly breathe I was that nervous," North was quoted as saying by the 'Courier Mail'.

 

"I guess the emotion was kind of taking over a little bit and once I hit that ball through gully, I saw there was an opportunity for two.

 

"Looking back on it now, I don't know why I put the big dive in. I wasn't really looking at the ball. It was probably more panic than anything else and relief to finally get there.

 

"It is something that I will remember forever," he added.