Local quicks benefit as Test bowlers stay put

Western Australia have added promising local pacemen Simon Mackin and Andrew Tye to the Warriors squad after being unable to convince Test bowlers Pat Cummins and Jackson Bird to move west.

Cummins, who was part of the victorious Perth Scorchers campaign last summer, will remain with NSW as he continues his rehabilitation from a series of injuries.

And Bird, who spent nearly a week in Perth this month as he considered a shift from Tasmania, will stay with the Tigers.

WA were eager to add an elite quick to their ranks after their lack of firepower was exposed during the Sheffield Shield final in Canberra where, apart from a stunning burst from Jason Behrendorff, the bowling attack lacked penetration.

The Warriors are preparing to lose veteran Michael Hogan whose return to WA will depend on a release from his county team Glamorgan.

Coach Justin Langer, who was pleased to be able to retain most of his young squad, said Hogan's availability would not be known until closer to next season.

"We would love to have him back next year, but we need to work closely with Glamorgan, his manager and Michael," Langer said.

Former South Australian captain Michael Klinger is WA's only interstate recruit and is likely to be a straight swap for Marcus North, who retired after his sole appearance in a shield final.

WA were interested in former Test opener Ed Cowan, who will continue to play for Tasmania but will commute from Sydney.

As reported by The West Australian last December, Liam Davis' finger injury will prevent him playing again. He was one of three players - with quick Burt Cockley and opener Luke Towers - to be de-listed as WA rewarded several players for their promising performances in club ranks.

Teenage fast bowler David Moody, nephew of WA all-rounder Tom, received a rookie contract while Australian U-19 star Jaron Morgan was also signed.

Batsman Tom Beaton, who responded to the loss of his contract last year with a brilliant season for Mt Lawley, regained a full contract.

But Alex Malcolm, who scored 1163 runs in all formats for Subiaco-Floreat and was closely considered for a first-class debut in the shield final, was too old for a rookie contract and was overlooked for a full one.

CONTRACTS

CRICKET AUSTRALIA: Mitchell Johnson, Shaun Marsh.

WACA FULL: Ashton Agar, Cameron Bancroft, Tom Beaton, Michael Beer, Jason Behrendorff, Nathan Coulter-Nile, Ryan Duffield, Marcus Harris, Michael Klinger, Simon Mackin, Mitch Marsh, Joel Paris, John Rogers, Nathan Rimmington, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, Adam Voges (capt), Sam Whiteman.

WACA ROOKIE: Will Bosisto, Hilton Cartwright, Matt Dixon, David Moody, Jaron Morgan.