Angel bows out after Pura Match

WESTERN Australian fast-bowling legend Jo Angel will retire after the Pura Cup match against NSW at the WACA Ground starting this Friday.

Angel said that by leaving the side he was hoping to create opportunities for some of the young bowlers coming through the WA ranks.

"Hopefully some guys can get an opportunity over the last couple of games to go on and be ten-year players, which I've been very fortunate to be," he said.

Angel debuted for WA in 1991-92 against New South Wales at the WACA Ground. The NSW team included Mark and Steve Waugh.

"It's ironic I suppose that the last game will be against them (NSW)," he said.

"It would be nice to get them plus a few others hopefully in this game and hopefully we can get a few points and finish off on the right note.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed my time it's gone very, very quickly, my first game only seems like only yesterday."

Angel said the game has changed in his 13 years at the top.

"Everything's more professional these days, all the I's are dotted and all the T's are crossed," Angel said.

"I think back in the old days it was a bit more hap-hazard. It's amazing how much the game has changed and developed.

"The game will move on, I hoped I've left a bit of a legacy there to aim for and I hope someone can beat my record."

Angel said that he wanted to give something back to the game through coaching.

Angel is WA's leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket. In 120 first-class matches for WA Angel has taken 480 wickets at an average of 25.14. In 104 Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup games he has taken 414 wickets at an average of 24.90.

He has taken five wickets in an innings on 16 occasions and has once taken 10 wickets in a match.

Angel is the second highest wicket-taker in Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup history. Only legendary leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmet has taken more with 513 wickets, a record unlikely to ever be beaten.

Angel and Grimmet are the only bowlers to take more than 400 wickets in the Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup.

The WACA Ground has been a happy hunting ground for Angel. In 53 Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup matches here Angel has taken 248 wickets at an average of 22.94 with 10 five-wicket hauls.

He recorded career-best figures of 6-35 against Queensland at the WACA Ground last season.

The WACA has dedicated the final home Pura Cup match of the season to Angel and will hold a lunch in his honour on Friday at the WACA ground. Many past WA greats are expected to attend.

In other news Warriors fast-bowler Michael Clark will not be available for the Pura Cup match against NSW after he strained a quadriceps muscle while batting against NSW in WA's ING Cup win last night.

Darren Wates comes into the WA 12 for the game. John Taylor is on stand-by for Beau Casson who is nursing a stitch in the webbing of his left hand. Casson suffered the injury while fielding for WA last night.

A decision on whether the left-arm wrist spinner will play will be made before play tomorrow morning.

The WA Squad Justin Langer (c), Jo Angel, Ryan Campbell, Beau Casson, Ben Edmondson, Murray Goodwin, Kade Harvey, Michael Hussey, Scott Meuleman, Marcus North, Chris Rogers, John Taylor and Darren Wates.

With the call up of Brad Haddin to the Australian VB Series side Nathan Pilon has joined the NSW team and will take over wicket-keeping duties.

The NSW Team Steve Waugh (c), Dominic Thornely, Phil Jaques, Mark Waugh, Grant Lambert, Stuart Clark, Nathan Bracken, Greg Mail, Matthew Nicholson, Stuart MacGill, Nathan Pilon, and Aaron O'Brien.

The match starts at 11.00am with gates opening at 10.00am