Inness to join Western Australia

Mathew Inness, the left-arm fast bowler, has confirmed that he will be joining the Western Australian Warriors for the next two seasons. Inness, 27, has accepted a two-year deal at the WACA after spending eight seasons with the Victorian Bushrangers.

"Playing for Victoria has been a privilege and I am proud of what I have achieved with the Bushrangers," Inness said, "but I felt I needed a fresh start and new challenges to further my career. I'm grateful that Western Australia have provided me with that opportunity and I look forward to the next phase of my cricket. I'd like to thank Cricket Victoria for the opportunities they have provided for me over eight seasons and I wish the team all the best in the future."

Inness made his debut in 1997-98 as a 19-year-old and represented the Bushrangers in 59 Pura Cup matches, capturing 199 wickets at an average of 25.62. He also snapped up five five-wicket hauls and his best figures of 7 for 19 came against New South Wales at the SCG in 2001-02.

Greg Shipperd, the Victorian coach, was disappointed to hear of Inness's departure but understood his reasons for the move. "Mathew has been a fine contributor to Victorian cricket both on and off the field," he said, "and I'm sure he will look forward to the conditions at the WACA ground."