WACA keeps SW talent

The Western Australian Cricket Association has revealed its men’s and women’s squads for the upcoming domestic season as they aim to defend their Women’s National Cricket League and Marsh One Day Cup titles. After her first season as captain last summer, Bunbury product Chloe Piparo has retained her place in the 14-player women’s squad and remains the only South West player selected. Piparo had a strong finish to last season’s WNCL, posting three 50s after the Women’s Big Bash League break. WA lost talented all-rounder Heather Graham to Tasmania during the off-season but did manage to sign right-arm leg-spinner Alana King from Victoria. The men’s squad has undergone major changes as head coach Adam Voges puts a heavy emphasis on red-ball cricket. Injury-prone Australian representative Nathan Coulter-Nile has not been offered a contract and is expected to seek opportunities in Victoria, where he plays Big Bash for the Melbourne Stars. Andrew Tye has also not been offered a contract but will remain in WA and is expected to be included in the Marsh One Day Cup squad as an uncontracted player. Last year’s Sheffield Shield leading wicket taker Cameron Gannon has been poached from Queensland to add durability to a promising young bowling line-up which also includes Dunsborough Cricket Club talent Lance Morris, who partners Tye with the new ball for Scarborough. Former Colts Cricket Club wicketkeeper Sam Whiteman also retains his place in the 26-man squad despite being surpassed by Josh Inglis as the preferred glove man. WA will be looking to win their first Sheffield Shield since the 1998-99 season when the season starts later this year.