Warriors name squad for ING Cup

THE Western Australian Cricket Association selectors have announced a squad of Western Warriors for the important ING Cup match against New South Wales at the WACA Ground on Wednesday, February 12, 2003.

The squad includes recalled paceman Michael Clark and rookie all-rounder Peter Worthington, for the first time.

Fast bowler Brad Williams has been named following his solid training session at the WACA Ground on Tuesday afternoon.

Williams suffered a side strain during last Sunday's exciting Warriors victory over Tasmania in Hobart.

Worthington, 23, has been in blistering form with SunSmart League club side Midland-Guildford. He scored 113 not out last weekend to take his season tally to 631 runs.

He has also taken 20 wickets at an average of 25 with his right-arm seamers.

The Warriors squad is:
Justin Langer (captain), Mike Hussey (vice-captain), Jo Angel, Ryan Campbell, Beau Casson, Michael Clark, Murray Goodwin, Kade Harvey, Shaun Marsh, Chris Rogers, Callum Thorp, Brad Williams, Paul Wilson and Peter Worthington.

The final team of 12 players will be decided just before Wednesday's match.

Warriors chairman of selectors Mr Wayne Hill said the inclusion of Clark and Worthington offered a cover for several selection alternatives.

"We want to see how Brad Williams pulls up on the morning of the match after training," said Hill.

"Going with a squad of players at this stage, gives us options with a healthy depth in batting and bowling.

"We think we have adequately covered all possibilities."

The Warriors are second on the ING Cup ladder, with 26 points from eight matches.

Ladder leaders Queensland has 27 points from nine limited-overs games.

The New South Wales SpeedBlitz Blues have two games to play and sit in fourth with 19 points, one behind Tasmania (20).

The Warriors could qualify for the final at home with two wins to complete the qualifying rounds.

Wednesday's match begins at 2.30pm. Gates open at 1.30pm. Umpires for the game are Ian Lock and Jeff Brookes.