Home

Sheffield Shield: Vice-captain Ashton Turner dropped by WA, D’Arcy Short recalled

The West Australian
Ashton Turner of Western Australia bats.
Camera IconAshton Turner of Western Australia bats. Credit: Scott Barbour/Getty Images

Western Australia head into tomorrow’s Sheffield Shield clash against Tasmania without vice-captain Ashton Turner after he was dropped following a lean start to the season.

Turner, 27, has returned ten runs from two digs in the Adelaide hub after averaging a lowly 3.5 in his two red-ball matches last summer.

Allrounder D’Arcy Short is the beneficiary of Turner’s omission.

“It’s a great opportunity for D’Arcy who has worked hard recently and will provide us a strong all-round option with both bat and ball,” head coach Adam Voges said.

Get in front of tomorrow's news for FREE

Journalism for the curious Australian across politics, business, culture and opinion.

READ NOW

“Ashton was a hard decision, but ultimately his recent form hasn’t been his best and it means he misses this match. It’s a strong group which leads to some tough selection decisions.

The Game AFL 2024

“Our guys should take a lot of confidence heading into this game.”

WA enters the clash atop of the Shield ladder after one win and one draw, but opener Sam Whiteman says the real test comes now, as they look to back it up.

“Something Bangers (Cam Bancroft) and I have had a huge focus on this year is partnerships and trying to be more consistent up the top, which is something WA cricket has probably lacked in the last few years,” Whiteman said.

“We’re just trying to put on some good partnerships. This week’s a new challenge against a new team so we’ll start again.”

Sam Whiteman of the Western Warriors bats during day 3 of the Round 2 Marsh Sheffield Shield cricket match.
Camera IconSam Whiteman of the Western Warriors bats during day 3 of the Round 2 Marsh Sheffield Shield cricket match. Credit: JAMES ELSBY/AAPIMAGE

The batter-friendly Adelaide wickets have seen five WA centuries scored inside three matches.

The Bancroft-Whiteman partnership has so far yielded returns of 106, 31, and 60 from three digs this season, with regular contributions a far bigger focus than higher honours.

“(Test selection) hasn’t crossed my mind whatsoever,” Whiteman said.

“I think for me it’s just about playing good cricket for WA.

“I want to be really consistent, I want to have a great opening partnership with Bancroft and hold the team in good stead with that.

“I just want to play good cricket for WA and not really worry about anything else.”

The 28-year-old declares himself a ‘full-time opening batsman’, having cemented his position atop of the order around the same time he placed his wicket-keeping gloves to the side.

“I love opening the batting, it’s a great challenge,” he said.

“I think I’ve learnt more mentally, around accepting and looking forward to some challenges instead of trying to shy away from it.

“I’m definitely a full-time opening batsman now, I went and bought some shin pads to do some bat-pad practice so I’m definitely a full-time opener now.”

Tim Paine’s Tigers enter the clash hungry for their first win of the season after going down to Queensland in round one, before drawing with South Australia last week.

Get the latest news from thewest.com.au in your inbox.

Sign up for our emails