Half of Western Australia's 26-man squad for 2021-22 have played international cricket, while a host of promising youngsters sign on as well
WA name star-studded list as Shield search continues
Western Australia will be hoping their abundance of internationals and a couple of rising stars can combine to end their 22-year Sheffield Shield drought next summer, after the state announced a 26-man squad for the 2021-22 season.
WA's men have won three of the past one-day domestic tournaments and found regular success with the Perth Scorchers in the KFC BBL, however the longest format remains an unconquered challenge for Adam Voges' side.
Veteran batsman Shaun Marsh, who will be 38 in July, enters the final year of his current contract while WA also boast three Cricket Australia contracted players in Ashton Agar, Cameron Green and Jhye Richardson.
"We've kept the main core of the squad together which is great, and a real testament to our guys and the program we have in WA," said WACA General Manager, High Performance Kade Harvey.
"We've got an extremely driven and focused group and competition for spots will be strong, particularly when we are at full strength.
"With 13 international players alongside exciting and developing talent, there is a strong balance of youth and experience in the squad."
That developing talent includes promising allrounder Cooper Connolly and paceman Bryce Jackson, while Jayden Goodwin – son of former Zimbabwe batsman Murray Goodwin – will also commence his deferred rookie contract after returning from a religious sabbatical.
Liam O'Connor wasn't offered a contract, while Jake Carder (SA) and Brad Hope will play elsewhere in 2021-22.
WA Men's Squad: Cameron Bancroft, Jason Behrendorff, Hilton Cartwright, Cameron Gannon, Liam Guthrie, Aaron Hardie, Josh Inglis, Bryce Jackson, Matthew Kelly, Mitch Marsh, Shaun Marsh, David Moody, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, Josh Philippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, D'Arcy Short, Marcus Stoinis, Ashton Turner, Sam Whiteman. CA contracts: Ashton Agar, Cameron Green, Jhye Richardson. Rookie contracts: Cooper Connolly, Sam Fanning, Jayden Goodwin
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