In English cricket, he would go on to play for Lancashire (2005), Derbyshire (2006 and 2014), Gloucestershire (2007–2008), Hampshire (2009), and Glamorgan (2012–2013), becoming the first player of any nationality to represent six different counties.

Upon the entry of the Perth Scorchers into the newly created Big Bash League, North was appointed the team's captain.

In October 2006, North and Chris Rogers compiled a record domestic third wicket partnership of 459 against Victoria at the WACA Ground in Perth, Western Australia, making his highest score of 239 not out in the process.

With former Test player Justin Langer stepping down as captain of the Western Warriors, North was awarded the captaincy for the 2007–08 season.

He returned to Gateshead Fell for the 2002 and 2003 seasons before signing to play county cricket for Durham as a replacement for Herschelle Gibbs.

[15] North displayed a strong all-round performance in the only tour match against the Board President's XI where he scored two unbeaten half-centuries and claimed career-best bowling figures of 6/69 off 11 overs.

[17] In this match, North also claimed his first Test wicket, dismissing South African tailender Paul Harris.

North was dropped from the Australian test team on 10 December 2010 due to poor form during the 2010–11 Ashes series against England.