Champion Warrior returns, team named without start paceman

RECORD-breaking paceman Jo Angel will stride from a successful England league season into a youthful Western Warriors team to play Victoria on Sunday.

The genial giant, who has taken more Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup wickets (387) than any other West Australian, will make his return on his club home ground at Lilac Hill.

But, Champion Western Warriors speedster Brad Williams has been rested for matches against the Bushrangers.

He has been granted leave to freshen up following his recent Australia "A" tour of South Africa.

Star batting pair Mike Hussey and Murray Goodwin, who both enjoyed outstanding English County seasons this year, have also been granted a week's leave by Warriors coach Mike Veletta.

However, all-rounder Darren Wates has suffered a slight setback after he strained his groin.

The 25-year-old had substantial surgery to his groin during the winter. His soreness after his first match conditions bowling last week will force the popular squad member onto the sidelines for up to three weeks.

Williams has been excused from Warriors one-day matches against the Bushrangers on Friday and Sunday and a two-day game against his former state at Richardson Park in South Perth on Monday and Tuesday.

Williams wants to refresh his mind and body for the start of the season in tour matches against England in Perth next month.

"I bowl at my best when I'm fresh," he said.

"A few days off after a pretty hectic travel and playing schedule in South Africa and I will be raring to go again."

Coach Veletta said nursing his battery of fast bowlers is important in the Warriors limited-overs and first-class campaign in the approaching season.

"Brad had had a very intense three weeks on the road with Australia A," Veletta said.

"We are very conscious of our obligations not to overload these fast bowlers so early into the season with such a heavy schedule in front of them."

Veletta said "nothing should be read into" appointments of all-rounder Brad Hogg and wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Campbell as captains for the two limited-over matches against the Bushrangers.

Friday's Team (The match commencing at 10am)

Brad Hogg (Captain), Kade Harvey, Andrew James, Stuart Karppinen, Marcus North, Luke Ronchi, Craig Simmons, Michael Thistle, Callum Thorp, Adam Voges and Geoff Cullen.

Sunday's Team (the match commencing at 10am) Ryan Campbell (Captain), Jo Angel, Sean Cary, Beau Casson, Michael Clark, Shaun Marsh, Scott Meuleman, Matthew Nicholson, Marcus North, Chris Rogers and Peter Worthington.