Marcus North takes indefinite leave after brother is killed in car crash

Marcus North of the Warriors bats during day one of the Sheffield Shield match between the Western Australia Warriors and the Victoria Bushrangers at WACA on November 22, 2013 in Perth, Australia.

Australian cricketer Marcus North, who played 21 Tests for Australia, is taking an indefinite leave from cricket, the WACA said after his brother Lucas was killed in a car crash on the Mitchell freeway. Lucas North, 40, was hit by a truck northbound, between Hepburn and Whitfords avenues, on Friday night.

The WA Cricket Association released a statement on behalf of the North family saying: ” The North family is saddened to confirm that our beloved son and brother, Lucas North, 40, passed away following the accident that occurred yesterday.

“We wish to thank family, friends and the public for the enormous support that has been shown to us in this difficult time.

“We, Peter, Sue, Marcus and the extended North family, again thank all for their concern and request that our privacy be respected to allow us to properly mourn.”

The 34 year old Warriors batsman was on the brink of a Test recall after an impressive performance in the Sheffield Shield, with 589 runs at an average of 117.

Luke Towers came into the side for North for the remainder of the match against Queensland. Today, the players wore black armbands and the flags were lowered in a show of respect to the North family.

Tweets have been pouring in since the news broke with Cricket Australia tweeting :

Former cricketer and current Australian Team coach Darren Lehmann Tweeted:

Marcus North made his debut for Australia in the 2008-09 tour of South Africa, and scored an impressive century on debut in the first Test at the Wanderers. He was dropped mid-way through the 2010/11 Ashes series and was having the most successful run of his career this season.

Our thoughts are with @Marcus_North and his family today. Very sad news. http://t.co/shqM81pME0

— Cricket Australia (@CricketAus) November 30, 2013

Our thoughts are with Marcus North and his family at this tragic time. Love from the whole cricketing world.

— Darren Lehmann (@darren_lehmann) November 30, 2013