Ervine signs for Western Australia

Sean Ervine, one of the rebel cricketers in dispute with the Zimbabwe Cricket Union, has signed a two-year contract with Western Australia. He has been given a state contract after moving to Perth from Zimbabwe, in an effort to gain Australian residency and make a fresh start to his cricket career. With his international experience he will be an obvious asset to a WA side which last won the domestic competition in 1998-99, when it was still called the Sheffield Shield.

Ervine announced his retirement from Zimbabwe cricket over its controversial selection policies last month, and now lives in Perth with his partner Melissa Marsh, the daughter of the Zimbabwe coach and former WA great, Geoff Marsh. He has said that he would one day like to play for Australia.

"I'm exceptionally thrilled and honoured to be awarded a contract with the Retravision Warriors," said Ervine. "It's a great way to start my new life here and cricket career, but the challenge now is to keep working and earn my place in the team with some strong performances in club cricket."

Ervine, 21, played 42 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe, scoring 698 runs at an average of 25.85, with his highest score of 100 coming against India at the Adelaide Oval in last season's VB Series. He took 41 wickets at an average of 39.07. He also played five Tests in his short career, averaging 32 with the bat and 43 with the ball. He becomes the second of the rebel players to sign for an Australian state side, following Andy Blignaut, who will spend the next three summers playing for Tasmania.

Tony Dodemaide, WACA's new chief executive, said he had been impressed by Ervine's character: "Sean displays the type of qualities that typify Australian and West Australian cricket, and because of that we're pleased to have him in our squad."