AFL coach helps scorched Langer

Hard-hitting opener Craig Simmons should probably send Fremantle coach Ross Lyon a box of chocolates this week.

Simmons' career in West Australian cricket appeared over earlier this year following his move from the Perth Scorchers in the KFC T20 Big Bash League to the Adelaide Strikers on a three-year, six-figure deal.

Scorchers coach Justin Langer was left shocked and angry over Simmons' defection, viewing the switch as a slap in the face to WA cricket.

But Dockers mastermind Lyon gave Langer a new perspective on the situation.

"Initially I took it personally," Langer said.

"It was funny. I had a good conversation with Ross Lyon the day it happened, and he was like medicine really.

“I realised it was the business we're in.

"While I still want to encourage the Scorchers and Warriors to be as close together as possible, sometimes these things happen.

"Craig Simmons - what he was offered was extraordinary really in the scheme of the tournament.

"If I was in his shoes, I certainly would have had to have thought about it."

With the situation smoothed over, Langer selected Simmons for the recent Twenty20 Champions League in India, and the 31-year-old will now front up for the Alcohol. Think Again Western Warriors for this month's one-day cup.

Read: Our guide to the Matador One-Day Cup

It will be the left-hander's first one-day match for the Warriors in almost three years, and the apprentice power line worker is also hoping to break back into the Shield side this summer.

Simmons' presence in the one-day cup will be crucial to a WA side missing injured opener Shaun Marsh (elbow) and star all-rounder Mitch Marsh (international duties).

"He deserves to play. He's an exceptional talent," Langer said of Simmons, who shot to stardom with two BBL centuries last summer.

"He's a fantastic bloke around the group. He's got a good sense of humour.

"He's like a bit of glue within the group. He's been out in the real world, and he's nice to have in the team."

The Warriors managed just one win in last summer's cup, but Langer hopes his side can push for the title this time around.

WA kick off their campaign against South Australia at the Gabba on Wednesday.

WA squad: Adam Voges (capt), Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Michael Beer, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Marcus Harris, Michael Klinger, Simon Mackin, Joel Paris, Nathan Rimmington, Craig Simmons, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Sam Whiteman.