WA cricket stars in line for call-ups

Warriors captain Adam Voges would like to think the team’s recent run of success will result in a host of West Australian players earning international call-ups this summer.

WA cricket has been a force to be reckoned with under coach Justin Langer, who has transformed the team since taking over two years ago.

The Perth Scorchers’ Big Bash title win last summer kicked off proceedings, with the Warriors following up that success with an appearance in the Sheffield Shield final.

Although WA were beaten by NSW in the Shield decider, they gained a slice of revenge on Sunday when they defeated the Blues to claim the one-day cup title, ending an 11-year title drought for the Warriors.

WA have set their sights on making a big impact in this season’s Shield campaign and Voges hopes the hot form of a number of players will be rewarded in time for next year’s World Cup.

All-rounder Nathan Coulter-Nile was the star of the show during WA’s recent one-day campaign with 14 wickets, while left-armer Jason Behrendorff snared 5-27 in the final.

Fellow paceman Joel Paris (13 wickets) was another to star in the competition before tearing his quad in the final.

Star all-rounder Mitch Marsh recently made his Test debut after a string of impressive one-day performances for Australia, while his brother Shaun will be keen to earn a Test and one-day recall this summer after recently recovering from elbow surgery.

Wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman is in the Australian pecking order if Brad Haddin loses his form or decides to call it quits.

Voges himself could thrust his name into World Cup consideration if he can produce hot form over the next few months and the 35-year-old hopes the whole team will fire this summer.

“I’d like to think in a World Cup year a few of our guys have put their hands up for selection now,” Voges said.

“Nathan Coulter-Nile obviously, and the Marsh brothers I’m sure will feature in that squad as well.

“With some success, hopefully the selectors are looking at West Australians and our cricket team.

“Hopefully we can make up a big part of the Australian teams this summer.”

Shaun Marsh will make his return for WA in the Shield clash with Tasmania at the WACA starting Friday.

The Warriors will also be boosted by the return of reliable paceman Michael Hogan, who has been given permission to play for WA this summer by his English county side Glamorgan.

Stay up to date with the latest sports news
Follow our social accounts to get exclusive content and all the latest sporting news!