Darren Wates awarded Best New Talent

Western Warriors seam bowler Darren Wates has been chosen as the Mercantile Mutual Cup "Best New Talent" for the 1999/2000 season, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced today.

In his debut season in the competition Wates captured 10 wickets, a tally beaten only by international pace bowlers Andy Bichel and Anthony Stuart, who both claimed 11 wickets in the round robin stage of the competition.

A panel of national media representatives voted upon the award with only players that had made less than four appearances in the Mercantile Mutual Cup before this season eligible for selection.

Wates wins $2500 and a trophy from Mercantile Mutual for his efforts, and joins an impressive list of past winners of the award.

Last season's choice was NSW Blues all-rounder Shawn Bradstreet, who has gone on to captain his state this summer. Before Bradstreet, the award went to Brad Haddin of the Canberra Comets (1997/98), Western Warriors wicketkeeper and opening batsman Ryan Campbell (1996/97), and Southern Redbacks fast bowler Jason Gillespie (1995/96).

A delighted Wates said: "It's been a great season so far in the Mercantile Mutual Cup for the whole of the Warriors Squad, not just myself, but this award is just the icing on the cake for me.

"It was great to get an opportunity from the selectors and I've been happy with my form so far. I just hope I can cap off the summer by maintaining my form and helping the Warriors win the Cup."