Newcastle born fast bowler Paul Wilson has decided to head to Western Australia to play cricket for the next two seasons.

Wilson leaves the Southern Redbacks after six summers in Adelaide, where he decided to stay after a stint at the Cricket Academy.

The 6'6" (200cm) quick, who has played one Test and 11 one-day internationals for Australia, feels that joining the Western Warriors offers a better opportunity for him to play first-class cricket.

"I am very excited at the challenge playing for WA will present. I am grateful to be given the opportunity to play for a class team," said Wilson.

Wilson, who played mostly ING Cup matches last summer for the Redbacks, has decided the West offers better opportunities for him in the four-day competition.

After a stellar 1999-2000 first class season, which included 44 wickets at an average of just over 24, the 2000-01 summer didn't pan out as he would have liked. Nor did 2001-02 as Wilson was injured early in the summer and then, when fully fit, not selected for the Pura Cup side despite strong performances in the ING Cup and second eleven matches. He was finally selected in the last match of the season, ironically in Perth against his new team, the Warriors.

"I didn't see any opportunities to play a major part in the Redbacks in 2002-03, due to reasons out of my control. When I was ready to play, the team had come off two bad losses and simply I wasn't selected (for the four-day team)."

With Wilson leaving Adelaide, it opens the door under salary-cap arrangements for the South Australian Cricket Association to strengthen its pursuit of an overseas or interstate player. Believed to head the list is Zimbabwean Andy Flower, while other names mentioned include West Aussies Murray Goodwin and Mike Hussey as well as talented all-rounder Matthew Nicholson.

© 2002 CricInfo Ltd