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Wilson comeback in crunch game Tom Wald - 12 March 2002
Former Test paceman Paul Wilson faces the daunting prospect of making his Pura Cup comeback in South Australia's most important four-day match in three seasons. But Redbacks captain Greg Blewett is glad to have the 30-year-old back in the extended version of the game after an injury-plagued 12 months for the bullocking quick. Wilson's bowling style should be well suited for the WACA pitch in the vital match against Western Australia starting tomorrow. The Redbacks and Warriors are two of the four teams still in the running for spots in the final heading into the last round of matches. Queensland is in the best position on 30 points, but needs first innings points against Victoria to ensure its third home final in a row. Meanwhile, Western Australia and Tasmania are locked on 24 points and need large victories to improve their chances of making the final. The Redbacks (20) have a slim hope of playing next week but need an outright victory over the Warriors and other results to fall their way. Blewett today welcomed the four changes made to the Redbacks' line-up for the match after back-to-back losses at home. "We felt that we needed a bit of a change in personnel because we thought the guys who'd been beaten pretty soundly in the last couple of games were a little bit flat, so we have got some new guys in the team," he said. Blewett said Wilson, who has played a handful of one-day matches since returning from a knee operation, had not been recalled earlier because of the Redbacks' initial run of good form post-Christmas. "I think Paul is one of the best bowlers in our state and he is always pretty tough under these conditions over here so I am glad to have him back," Blewett said. "He's really keen to do well as this is his only game for the season. He generally hits the right area and hits the seam so he's a difficult customer." Blewett said the pitch looked a little moist and could provide assistance for the bowlers early on. Meanwhile, for the Warriors, Murray Goodwin has been recalled to open the batting with Michael Hussey. And veteran paceman Jo Angel needs just five more wickets to become the second-highest wicket-taker in Australian domestic first-class cricket. Angel, who has taken 37 first-class wickets this season, has 380 career wickets in Austalian domestic first-class cricket while Clarrie Grimmett is the leading wicket taker with 513. Angel will also become Western Australia's highest wicket-taker in Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup history if he passes Terry Alderman's mark of 384 wickets. Teams: Western Australia: Simon Katich (capt), Jo Angel, Ryan Campbell, Michael Clark, Murray Goodwin, Brad Hogg, Michael Hussey, Matthew Nicholson, Marcus North, Chris Rogers, Brad Williams, Brad Oldroyd (likely 12th man). South Australia: Greg Blewett (capt), Nathan Adcock, Chris Davies, Shane Deitz, David Fitzgerald, Ryan Harris, Ben Johnson, Paul Rofe, Mike Smith, Paul Wilson, Bradley Young, Daniel Harris (likely 12th man). © 2002 AAP
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