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Will Mickey Arthur make the difference at WA?

Roar Pro
11th May, 2010
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Roar Pro
11th May, 2010
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1159 Reads

The Western Warriors have a new coach, with a new mantra and persona. But the playing list for 2010-11 seems to resemble exactly what his predecessor tried to operate with.

Mickey Arthur, has arrived at the WACA with the reputation of being a disciplinarian. A man who strongly believes in the idea that, it’s my way or the highway.

The first significant mark of Arthur’s reign has been the 2010-11 contracted players list, which the WACA released last week.

No, Mark Cosgrove is an interesting one.

As WA desperately needed another quality bat to cope with the comings and goings of Marcus North, Shaun Marsh and Adam Voges. Not to mention Mike Hussey’s lack of appearances.

Interestingly, Cosgrove is currently without a home as all states have lodged their initial lists.

It will be interesting to see if any state takes the punt.

WA won’t be, as Arthur has ruled a line through Cosgrove.

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Nathan Coulter-Nile, Mitch Marsh, Matt Johnston and Michael Swart have all been awarded full contracts in a non-surprising move.

These players, formed the basis of the four day and one day sides towards the end of last season under Tom Moody.

Marsh is a tremendous talent. However, Arthur saying he could be the next Jacques Kallis is putting immense pressure on the boy.

Hopefully he can ignore those comments and continue his development as a quality all rounder.

Swart and Johnston made giant strides toward the end of the season; they thoroughly deserve their contracts.

It’s these guys, who can listen to Arthur, and develop what Arthur needs to help start WA’s revival.

Continual injury has forced the WACA’s hand on Ben Edmondson. A very handy bowler in all formats when fully fit.

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But, the fact is, he wasn’t fit enough and has been moved on.

The big out is all rounder Theo Dororpoulos: Inconsistency with both bat and ball have led to his demise for the time being.

Doropoulos is clearly a very talented individual, but producing one great innings a season and backing it up with several poor scores isn’t going to make the grade under Arthur.

Martin Paskal from Sydney grade cricket fills the void left by Edmondson’s axing.

While the decision to recruit left arm orthodox spinner Michael Beer from St Kilda seems a little perplexing.

WA already has Aaron Heal, who operates effectively in one-day cricket, and when he gets the occasional opportunity in four-day fixtures.

Arthur, described Beer as arguably one of the best spinners outside of the state system. Clearly he hasn’t seen much grade cricket in Perth.

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Scarborough leg spinner Ty Hopes took 43 wickets at 18.40 last season, which included 8-75 in one match.

Whilst former WA rookie fast bowler Pat Molinari has put together two solid seasons in grade cricket with the ball.

Others are lucky to be in the squad and maybe the first season under Arthur will be very much a testing the waters scenario.

Grade cricketers in Perth should take note that chances could be on the way, while current squad members need to be on their game to ensure they stay in the side.

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