Western Warrior Jo Angel notches another milestone

WESTERN Australian Cricket Association Executive and Management wishes to congratulate Western Warriors player Jo Angel on reaching another major milestone.

Angel, 34, will play his 100th Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup match in Hobart starting on Wednesday February 5, against Tasmania.

Angel becomes the seventh West Australian to play 100 or more Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup games.

Tributes from some of Western Australia's greats have flowed in recognition of Angel, who last month became only the second player to take 400 Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup wickets.

Reigning Warriors captain and 2003 Allan Border Medallist, Adam Gilchrist, hailed Angel's courage to reach his milestone.

"It's a wonderful achievement for Jo to reach a milestone that only comes to quality players," said Gilchrist.

"Not only has he been a quality cricketer for his state, but he has been a quality person. He is a most reliable teammate and friend to everybody.

"The character and courage of Jo Angel epitomizes all the good things about West Australian and for that matter, Australian cricket."

WACA Chief Executive Mrs Kath White also praised Angel for his long service.

"Fittingly, Jo Angel joins a very elite band of players who have represented the state in 100 or more Sheffield Shield and Pura Cup matches," Mrs White said.

"Jo is more than an icon of Western Australian cricket. He is one of the most popular players ever to play for us."

Decorated former WA captain and Angel's long time friend, Tom Moody described the affable pace bowler as the "epitome of a West Australian cricketer."

"Jo Angel is a great example to any fellow West Australian in his total professionalism and dedication throughout his career," Moody said.

"As a captain, in times of need, there was always one person I used to turn to and that was Jo Angel.

"Not only has Jo shown enormous skill as a bowler from adapting to be effective at either end of the WACA Ground, but it is a tribute to his great heart and courage that he has been able to persist to add another great achievement in a magnificent career."

Acting Warriors captain and Test opener Justin Langer says Angel is still one of the first players picked for any Warriors team.

"In my mind, he's still good enough to be the first bowler you'd pick to win us a match," said Langer.

"It is a great credit to the courage and desperation of Jo Angel that he puts in so much energy and dedication for Western Australian cricket to excel.

"The entire Warriors team congratulates a great ambassador for Western Australian cricket."