Tom Moody and Adam Gilchrist will lead the Western Warriors for the fifth successive season in 2000-2001 after being named captain and vice-captain, respectively, at the WACA Ground today.

It will be 35-year-old Moody's sixth year as captain after he took over mid-way through season 1995-96. Gilchrist (28), the Australian vice-captain, will be Moody's deputy for the fifth successive season after his stint began in 1996-97.

Moody sits seventh in terms of Pura Cup captains for WA, having led the side in 33 matches for 17 wins, 10 draws and six losses. John Inverarity holds the WA record, captaining 53 matches for 25 wins, 17 draws and 11 losses.

Under Moody, Gilchrist and coach Wayne Clark, WA has won two Sheffield Shields (1997-98, 1998-99) and two Mercantile Mutual Cups (1996-97, 1999-00).

The Western Warriors, reigning Mercantile Mutual Cup champions, have won 15 Sheffield Shields/Pura Cups and a record 10 Mercantile Mutual Cups in 52 seasons.

Season 2000-01 begins with a Pura Cup match against Queensland at the WACA next Friday, 13 October to Monday, 16 October 2000. WA’s Mercantile Mutual Cup defence begins with a day/night clash against the Redbacks at the WACA on Friday, 20 October.

The four new faces in the WA squad for 2000-01 are; Murray Goodwin (Zimbabwe), David Hussey (Wanneroo), Shaun Marsh (Willetton) and Gavin Swan (Subiaco-Floreat).

The 2000-2001 Western Warriors squad is; Tom Moody (captain), Adam Gilchrist (vice-captain), Jo Angel, Mark Atkinson, Rob Baker, Ryan Campbell, Sean Cary, Michael Dighton, Murray Goodwin, Kade Harvey, Brad Hogg, David Hussey, Mike Hussey, Brendon Julian, Simon Katich, Stuart Karpinnen, Justin Langer, Shaun Marsh, Damien Martyn, Matthew Nicholson, Steve Nikitaras, Marcus North, Chris Rogers, Gavin Swan, Mark Walsh, Darren Wates, Brad Williams.

© 2000 Western Australia Cricket Association