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Warriors unveil JLT Cup squad

Mitch Marsh to lead a group absent of Aussie stars but including no shortage of promising up-and-comers

The Alcohol.Think Again Western Warriors will be missing no fewer than five of their frontline players when they begin their JLT One-Day Cup campaign next week in Perth.

Ashton Agar, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Nathan Coulter-Nile and Marcus Stoinis are all involved in Australia's current limited-overs tour of India, with new captain Mitchell Marsh set to lead a squad also headlined by experienced batting stars Shaun Marsh and Michael Klinger.

Alcohol.Think Again Western Warriors squad: Mitch Marsh (c), Ashton Turner (vc), Cameron Bancroft, Will Bosisto, Josh Inglis, Matt Kelly, Michael Klinger, Simon Mackin, Shaun Marsh, David Moody, Jhye Richardson, D'Arcy Short, Andrew Tye, Jonathan Wells

Marsh, Klinger and Cameron Bancroft have returned from a successful season playing county cricket in England to be included in the squad, while vice-captain Ashton Turner and Jhye Richardson return after break-out seasons last summer.

Australian representatives may be considered for matches throughout the tournament subject to their availability around the current ODI and T20I series' in India.

Western Australia's campaign begins on Friday, September 29 against two-time defending champions New South Wales in a day-nighter at the WACA Ground.

"Everyone talks about the pre-season here at the WACA and we're looking forward seeing it come to fruition," said Warriors head coach Justin Langer.

"We've had a lot more time on turf, thanks to the great WACA Ground staff, and feel better prepared this year than the last two or three years.

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"With Mitch as our new captain, I'm excited to see how he goes; he knows talking about it is the easy part but putting it into action is the tough bit and I'm looking forward to him moving in the right direction to become a great captain of WA.

"We've got a relatively young group this year, so it's good to have Shaun Marsh, Michael Klinger and Cam Bancroft back from England. They're all in really good form and will complement the rest of the squad.

"With senior players like Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Agar, Hilton Cartwright and Nathan Coulter-Nile all away on national duties, those first few games are a good opportunity for the younger guys to step up and we can see what they've got to offer.

"I'm particularly looking forward to seeing how Ashton Turner plays this One-Day Cup series. Last year was a stepping stone in his playing career; he got selected in the Australian T20 squad and he really stepped up in his domestic cricket."

Western Australia fixtures

Friday, September 29, WA v NSW, WACA Ground

Sunday, October 1, WA v VIC, WACA Ground

Saturday, October 7, WA v TAS, WACA Ground

Wednesday, October 11, WA v QLD, Drummoyne Oval

Sunday, October 15, WA v SA, Drummoyne Oval

Monday, October 17, WA v CXl, North Sydney Oval