Mike Hussey's Postcards

TUESDAY 10 October 2000
Mike Hussey anticipates an exciting summer for the Warriors

The Western Warriors' pre-season has been one of the toughest and best I have encountered in five years. The players are extremely fit and strong and very excited about another huge summer of first class cricket.

Big Jo Angel is the fittest he has been in years and Tom Moody, who hasn't played cricket in over a year, has recovered from a back injury and is as keen as a young kid in his first season. Tom is a vital member of our team and his leadership qualities will be a welcome return to the Warriors in season 2000-01.

The winter months have been tough for two key Warriors. Brendon Julian and Ryan Campbell both endured knee surgery in the off season. Thankfully, though, both have fully recovered and will be available for the first Pura Cup match against the Queensland Bulls at the WACA ground on October 13. Ryan Campbell, in particular, has been in fine pre-season form and would dearly love to convert that into a big start for the Warriors against the Bulls.

Simon Katich and Justin Langer have recently returned from England and successful county seasons. Simon, in his first season of county cricket, scored over 1000 runs for Durham, while Justin had another outstanding season for Middlesex, scoring more than 1400 runs. Simon has been dubbed a future Test player and he is looking for early runs to press his claim for a Test berth. Justin has become one of Australia's most consistent performers and is now working towards becoming the best number three that Australia has produced. He is a great role model for young players, with his work ethic, discipline and the manner in which he conducts himself on and off the field being some of his greatest attributes.

Murray Goodwin has returned to WA after a successful stint with Zimbabwe. He is a quality player and will add depth to the Warriors' batting line up. Murray averaged more than forty in Tests and One-Day Internationals for Zimbabwe and will assume a vital role in the Western Warriors' plans of winning both competitions this season.

The Western Warriors squad looks very strong this season, with a good balance of youth and experience. The competition for places in the team is very strong and there will be plenty of pressure on all players to perform. No Western Warrior will be resting on his laurels this season. So good is the depth in WA that Steve Nikitaras (who played in our winning Mercantile Mutual Cup team last season) and Stuart Karpinnen (who was the leading wicket taker in the grade competition) could not secure contracts with the WACA this season. They are both strong contributors and are tipped to play for the Warriors at some stage this season.

Other players to watch this season in the West include Marcus North, Sean Cary and Matthew Nicholson.

Marcus has recently returned from England, where he dominated for a league side in Durham. He has had a taste of first class cricket and is hungry for more. He has a sound technique and an appetite for quick runs. If he is given the opportunity, this season could see the emergence of this young star.

Sean Cary has steadily improved in recent seasons into WA's premier into-the-wind bowler. I have never seen 'Scary' so fit and focused on taking wickets. If Sean finds his rhthym and has a big season, he could be a dark horse for the Ashes tour next winter.

Matthew Nicholson has fully recovered from injury and illness, problems which have plagued him in previous seasons. Everyone in the West hope all his difficulties are behind him as he is an exciting talent. He has genuine pace and is highly motivated for success. He is also an excellent batsman and will develop into a fine allrounder.

On a dull note, one of WA's most talented players, Robert Baker, has contracted chronic fatigue syndrome and will struggle to play before Christmas. It is horrible luck for Bakes who worked extremely hard to gain a regular place in the team. Don't worry though, he will be back bigger and better than ever.

The Warriors enjoyed their pre-season training © David Bebb

Due to favourable weather conditions, WA hosted South African provincial side, Kwa-Zulu Natal and the Victorian Bushrangers in pre-season matches. Natal sent a very competitive side led by former West Indian Test player Eldine Baptiste, who at forty years of age is still in great shape. Playing games in good conditions in September against quality opposition is invaluable practice for players. It was a great opportunity for senior players to spend time in the middle and junior players to show their worth, as competition for places in the team is great.

Our pre-season preparations were rounded off with two one-day matches in Broome against Victoria and Natal. Conditions were outstanding at Male Oval, and the pitch grown in Perth and shipped to Broome months in advance together with a first class outfield made for some excellent cricket. For the record, the Western Warriors accounted for the Victorian Bushrangers, with Brad Hogg doing the job with the ball and Ryan Campbell scoring a better than a run a ball 60. Matthew Mott scored 55 not out to be the best Bushranger performer. The following day, Natal took the honours, with former South African Test player Andrew Hudson scoring a magnificent unbeaten century. Michael Dighton made a classy half-century for the Warriors.

The Western Warriors have had one of the best preparations in which I have ever been involved. We are highly motivated for success this season, after missing the Pura Cup Final last summer. The addition of Tom Moody to lead the team is a huge bonus. I am very excited about the season and can't wait for the first game on the 13th of October. Bring on the Bulls.

Mike Hussey