Clark returns home

Michael Clark returned to Perth today after injuring his back in the Retravision Warriors rain marred ING Cup match against Tasmania in Launceston yesterday.

The left-arm fast-bowler has been plagued by back problems since the middle of 2003. He has only played two ING Cup matches for WA this season.

Clark was the Warriors leading wicket-taker last season with 38 wickets in the Pura Cup. Clark said that he felt pain in his back early on in his spell of 2-43 from nine overs.

Clark will immediately see Warriors Doctor Damian McCann for an assessment. A decision on his immediate playing future will be made over the next few days.

Wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Campbell is expected to be fit after recovering from a tear to his adductor muscle in his groin. Back-up keeper Luke Ronchi is on standby in case Campbell cannot get through training tomorrow.

Ben Edmondson left Perth today to join the squad in Hobart. Edmondson has been one of the Warriors most effective bowlers in the Pura Cup this season where his pace and swing have netted him 13 wickets at an average of 34.84 in four matches.

Rockingham-Mandurah off-spinner Aaron Heal will make his first-class debut if Michael Hussey stays with the Australian VB Series team for the finals and either Ryan Campbell or Luke Ronchi will be 12th Man.

If Hussey is not included in the VB Series squad he will join the Warriors in Tasmania and a decision on 12th Man will be made on the morning of the match.

Left-arm wrist spinner Beau Casson did not recover sufficiently from bruised fingers and split webbing to his left hand to be considered. Casson hurt his hand while fielding in WA's ING Cup win over NSW last month.

The Retravision Warriors 12-man Pura Cup Squad
Justin Langer (C), Ryan Campbell, Ben Edmondson, Murray Goodwin, Kade Harvey, Aaron Heal, Scott Meuleman, Marcus North, Chris Rogers, Luke Ronchi, John Taylor and Darren Wates.

Radio Fremantle 107.9FM will provide ball-by-ball coverage for the entire match.