century in the third test. He took part in an partnership with Border in the 4th test that helped secure a draw. Australia went on to lose the last two tests disastrously. However Ritchie was one of the few Australians to show fight – his second innings score of 20 off 102 balls almost helped Australia save the game. In the last test he made 64 in the first innings. In between the games he made 155 against Kent. At the end of the tour, Alan Border said that Ritchie and Craig McDermott were the only players who could be really happy with their performances. Ritchie started the 1985–86 season well with 86 against Victoria and kept his place for the first test against New Zealand. He failed twice in Australia's defeat, but was kept on for the second test. Ritchie's batting in the first innings, a score of 89, was crucial for a rare Australian win. He made a fighting 44 in the third test, which Australia lost. Ritchie scored his first test century on Australian soil with 128 against India in Adelaide. However he injured himself moving timber at his Brisbane home and was unable to play in the second test; his place was taken by Steve Waugh. Ritchie was initially picked in Australia's one day squad over the summer and scored a match winning 68 against New Zealand. However his form faded away and he was omitted from the squad after suffering a groin injury. Nonetheless, he kept his place in the Australian team for the tour to New Zealand. Ritchie arrived in New Zealand with the Australian squad in February 1986. He was injured during training after being hit on the toe from a ball by Craig McDermott. However he scored 66 not out in Australia's victory over Auckland. Ritchie batted well in the first test, scoring 92 and taking part in a 213 run partnership with Greg Matthews. He failed in the second test and scored 80 in a tour game. Ritchie scored 56 in the third test but failed in the second innings as Australia crashed to another defeat. In the one day series that followed, Ritchie took part in a 90-ball 100 run partnership with Greg Matthews in the final game. Ritchie then went to Sharjah for a short tour by an Australian team led by Ray Bright. Ritchie was selected in the