Goodwin on target for W Australia return

Murray Goodwin, the former Zimbabwe Test batsman, is set to make his return this week for Western Australia, where he began his first-class career.

Goodwin, 27, was chosen Tuesday in a 12-man state squad for Friday's one-day clash with South Australia at the WACA Ground. Goodwin, 12th man in the Western Australian side in their drawn Sheffield Shield clash with Queensland last weekend, is expected to replace opener Ryan Campbell.

His last appearance for the state side was in their 1996-97 victory in the final of the one-day contest.

Western Australian captain Tom Moody said Tuesday he believed the little right hander's experience would be a huge asset.

"He will add a great deal of experience, having played 71 one-day internationals for Zimbabwe," he said. "He is also a pretty flexible batsman who is not unfamiliar with the new ball."

Goodwin also played 19 Tests for Zimbabwe, scoring 1,414 runs at an average of 42.84.

His failure to gain a position in the Western Australian line-up for the Shield match was purely a reflection of the immense strength of the state side's batting.

The line-up includes Test players Justin Langer, Adam Gilchrist and Damien Martyn, former Test batsman Moody and two aspiring young Test players, Simon Katich and Michael Hussey.

Goodwin decided to return to Western Australia to live after a successful tour of England with Zimbabwe in the northern summer.

Mail Cricket Editor