Ervine among Western Australia's contracted players

Sean Ervine is among 17 players who have earned a central contract with Western Australia for the 2004-05 season. Ervine, who played for Zimbabwe before retiring from international cricket earlier this season, joins another Zimbabwean, Murray Goodwin, on the list of contracted players.

The initial list of 17 names includes two rookies, Justin Coetzee and Aaron Heal. A 20-year-old left-arm swing bowler, Coetzee earned his reward after putting in some superb performances for Scarborough in the WACA's Vodafone Cup competition. Coetzee's 42 wickets in grade cricket last season came at just 17.02 apiece and included a hat-trick against South Perth.

Commenting on Coetzee's selection, Wayne Hill, the chairman of the Western Australian selection panel, said: "We're excited about Justin's long term prospects and pleased to offer him a Rookie Contract after some consistent efforts playing for Scarborough in recent seasons. We hope to see him develop over the next few seasons and from this encouragement transfer his club performances to the next level."

The contracted players Ryan Campbell, Beau Casson, Michael Clark, Ben Edmondson, Sean Ervine, Murray Goodwin, Kade Harvey, Steve Maggofin, Shaun Marsh, Scott Meuleman, Marcus North, Chris Rogers, Luke Ronchi, Adam Voges, Peter Worthington.

Rookie contracts Justin Coetzee, Aaron Heal.