IT is almost time to kick off the 2022/23 season of the Marsh One-Day Cup, with the first game scheduled for September 23. Fresh off a thrilling final in March, the competition is set for another cracking campaign, as each state’s best cricket talents battle it out in the 50-over format.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at each side’s prospects for the season, and the final team for this series are the Western Australia Warriors, who managed to emerge winners last season, and will be seeking consecutive titles.

Western Australia Warriors
2021/22 record – 4-2

The Warriors managed to claim the ultimate prize in the Marsh Cup last year, rising to the top of the ladder in no time at all with a strong record that was built on some big run totals throughout the season.

With a league-best four wins, the Warriors were the most feared team in the competition, and while they sustained two losses, it was not cause for concerns as these performances proved to be an anomoly.

Both of Western Australia’s losses came at the hands of the Tigers, but against the rest of the competition, the Warriors proved more than a handful. Their top order was full of talent, and the likes of Cameron Bancroft, Josh Philippe and Cameron Green all delivered across the course of the season.

After advancing to the grand final, the Warriors faced off against the NSW Blues in the big dance, who had not lost a game to this point of the season. When it looked likely that the Blues would chase down the Warriors’ score, Hilton Cartwright took a screamer on the boundary line, halting all of New South Wales’ momentum and steering Western Australia to victory.

Given they won the Cup last season, it is hard to find too many areas of improvement for the Warriors. That was reflected in their list changes over the offseason, with Western Australia focussing on player retention rather than messing with a winning formula.

Veteran Shaun Marsh decided to go around again and signed a one-year extension, while emerging star Cooper Connelly and pace bowler Bryce Jackson signed their first rookie contracts.

WACA General Manager of High Performance Kade Jackson summed up the team’s list strategy perfectly.

“We’ve kept the main core of the squad together which is great, and a real testament to our guys and the program we have in WA.

“We’ve got an extremely driven and focused group and competition for spots will be strong, particularly when we are at full strength.

“With 13 international players alongside exciting and developing talent, there is a strong balance of youth and experience in the squad.”

If the Warriors can keep their winning method from last season rolling into the 2022/23 fixture, Western Australia may just excel at white-ball cricket once again. They boast one of the most talented lists in the competition, and will be among the contenders heading into the season.

Contract list

Ashton Agar
Cameron Bancroft
Jason Behrendorff
Hilton Cartwright
Cooper Connolly
Sam Fanning
Cameron Gannon
Jayden Goodwin
Cameron Green
Liam Guthrie
Aaron Hardie
Josh Inglis
Bryce Jackson
Matthew Kelly
Mitch Marsh
Shaun Marsh
David Moody
Lance Morris
Joel Paris
Josh Philippe
Jhye Richardson
Corey Rocchiccioli
D’Arcy Short
Marcus Stoinis
Ashton Turner
Sam Whiteman