Western Australia's One-Day Cup Squad: A Stacked Lineup with Returning Stars and Surprise Inclusions

Three-time reigning champions in ODC and Sheffield Shield cricket, WA will launch their 2024-25 campaign against NSW at Cricket Central on Sunday before returning to the venue on Tuesday for a clash with South Australia.

Western Australia’s chase for four one-day titles on the bounce will begin where the most recent one ended, in Sydney against New South Wales. But there’s a trump card back in their deck for the first game of the summer — returning captain Ashton Turner.

WA’s white-ball skipper delicately nursed a knee injury through the first part of last summer, until it came to a head early in the Big Bash League and he missed the rest of the season. He returned to the Indian Premier League earlier this year and played for Manchester in The Hundred.

Opening up on a difficult season, Turner said he worried at the time he had “let people down”, but admitted going in for surgery after limping away from Perth Scorchers clash with Hobart in December was a relief because it allowed him to knock the injury on its head. “It wasn’t ideal to need surgery on my knee at sort of Christmas time last year and it probably took me longer than I would have liked to get up to speed,” he told The West Australian. “I’d probably played the whole season with a sore knee, so it made going to training, playing hard work, I wasn’t fully fit. As frustrating as it was, to go and have it fixed and now be back close to 100 per cent, that’s exciting. But being able to go to India and the UK and play quite a lot of cricket now over the winter — in both formats of the game — I’ve been able to tick a couple of boxes, one the rehab and to be able to play and perform, it’s a satisfying feeling. For me, at this stage of my career, the best preparation is to be playing cricket.”

WA would become the first team in the history of the 50-over competition to win four straight championships. Seamer Matt Kelly won all three titles on offer two seasons ago, but injury and selection meant he missed out altogether last season.

The Squad: A Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent

WA’s squad for One-Day Cup games one and two features a mix of experienced players and promising young talent. Speedsters Lance Morris and Jhye Richardson are in the mix to feature during WA’s season-opening One-Day Cup games in Sydney, both contracted by Cricket Australia, and headline a stacked pace cartel that also features experienced trio Jason Behrendorff, Andrew Tye and Matt Kelly, promising Albany product Bryce Jackson, and allrounder Keaton Critchell.

Jackson and Critchell both made their ODC debuts against Tasmania in Hobart last summer. Dual Laurie Sawle medallist Cameron Bancroft enters the fray after a productive stint in England, while Sam Whiteman has recovered well from a finger injury and is available for selection. Bancroft and Whiteman are wicketkeeping options, likewise former NSW gloveman and prospective WA debutant Baxter Holt.

Powerful right-hander Hilton Cartwright returns to the scene of his match-defining performance against NSW in last year’s ODC Final, when he struck an unbeaten 73 from 80 deliveries. He rounds out the squad alongside skipper Ashton Turner and dynamic spin-bowling allrounders Ashton Agar and D’Arcy Short.

Key Players to Watch

Ashton Turner's Return: A Boost for WA's Title Hopes

The return of Ashton Turner as captain is a significant boost for WA. His experience and leadership will be vital as the team aims for a fourth consecutive title. Turner is a dynamic batsman who can also contribute with his off-spin bowling. He will be keen to make up for the lost time due to his knee injury and prove his fitness as a key player for both WA and Australia in the future.

Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris: The Pace Twins' Potential for Dominance

Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris are two of Australia's most exciting fast bowlers. Their ability to generate pace and movement could make them a potent force in the One-Day Cup. Both bowlers have been carefully managed by Cricket Australia, and their availability will depend on their workload and fitness. However, their presence in the squad will give WA a significant advantage in the bowling department.

Sam Whiteman's Surprise Return: A Sign of his Determination

Sam Whiteman's inclusion in the squad despite a broken finger is a testament to his determination. He is a key player for WA in all formats, and his experience at the top of the order will be valuable for the team. Whiteman's return is a surprise given his injury, but it shows the importance of his role in the team and his desire to contribute.

Cameron Bancroft: A Versatile Performer Ready to Make a Difference

Cameron Bancroft is a proven performer in domestic cricket. His ability to bat in any position, keep wickets, and provide valuable all-round contributions will be crucial for WA. Bancroft returns from a successful stint in England, adding experience and confidence to the team. His versatility makes him a valuable asset, capable of adapting to various roles and situations.

The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities

WA faces a tough challenge in their bid for a fourth consecutive One-Day Cup title. The team will need to overcome the absence of some key players who are on international duty. However, with a squad full of talent and experience, WA has the potential to make history and become the first team to win four consecutive one-day crowns.

A Legacy of Success: WA’s Golden Era Continues

The envy of Australian cricket, Western Australia could make history this season if they continue their domestic dominance. Adam Voges’ men are already in the history books having achieved the Sheffield Shield-One-Day Cup title double three seasons on the trot. The coming summer will see them aiming to become the first side to win the Shield four seasons in a row since it became a six-team competition in 1977-78. They are also gunning for the one-day tournament’s first ever four-peat, having taken out five of the last seven domestic 50-over crowns. This comes on top of the Perth Scorchers’ dominance in the KFC BBL thanks to largely the same group of players.

WA’s golden era has not only seen them become domestic powerhouses, but also the standout state in terms of producing ready-made international cricketers. Mahli Beardman is the latest to show he’s on Australia’s radar and is an outside chance of joining Cooper Connolly, Aaron Hardie and Lance Morris as recent international debutants. Cameron Green and Josh Inglis, along with veteran Mitch Marsh, are more entrenched, while Jhye Richardson, Cameron Bancroft and Ashton Turner are all hopeful they can join them having each had a good taste of international cricket. There is also bubbling optimism over the prospects of Corey Rocchiccioli after his record-breaking Shield campaign last season, while Joel Paris remains one of domestic cricket’s most reliable players and was on standby during last year’s Ashes in the UK.

WA's remarkable recent track record of producing and nurturing star white-ball players put them in an unusual situation of seeing four big-name players – Jason Behrendorff, Ashton Agar, Marcus Stoinis and Andrew Tye – not earn state contracts. That’s despite the quartet, along with middle-order bat Nick Hobson, all expected to play for either WA or Australia over the coming months.

The state’s only other major change is the departure of Josh Philippe, who has crossed to NSW. Philippe has effectively swapped places with Baxter Holt, the 24-year-old former Sydneysider who has picked up a WA contract and moved into the same street as white-ball captain Ashton Turner.

A victory over WA this season will be the biggest prize for every rival state this season. Good luck to them in the opening Shield rounds, when the reigning champions could have close to their entire squad available.

The Future is Bright: A Blend of Experience and Emerging Talent

Western Australia has a bright future, with a strong blend of experienced players and promising young talent. The team is well-positioned to continue its success in both the Sheffield Shield and the One-Day Cup. With a strong core of international players and a depth of talent throughout the squad, WA is a formidable force in domestic cricket. The future looks bright for Western Australia as they continue to build upon their recent success. This season promises to be exciting, with the team looking to make history and cement their place as a dominant force in Australian cricket.