Media Release

Farewell to an Angel

Western Australian Cricket Association

January 21, 2004

WESTERN Australian fast-bowling legend Jo Angel will make his final appearance at the WACA Ground in this weekend's Pura Cup match against NSW.

With the Retravision Warriors unlikely to host the Pura Cup final WA will not play another first-class match at the WACA Ground this season.

The entire Warriors squad will be at the WACA Ground to farewell Angel at 11.00am on Thursday morning and the Media are invited to Angel's final Media conference.

Angel is WA's leading wicket-taker in first-class cricket. In 120 first-class matches for WA Angel has taken 480 wickets at an average of 25.14. In 104 Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup games he has taken 414 wickets at an average of 24.90.

He has taken five wickets in an innings on 16 occasions and has once taken 10 wickets in a match.

Angel is the second highest wicket-taker in Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup history. Only legendary leg-spinner Clarrie Grimmet has taken more with 513 wickets, a record unlikely to ever be beaten.

Angel and Grimmet are the only bowlers to take more than 400 wickets in the Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup.

The WACA Ground has been a happy hunting ground for Angel. In 53 Sheffield Shield/Pura Cup matches here Angel has taken 248 wickets at an average of 22.94 with 10 five-wicket hauls.

He recorded career-best figures of 6-35 against Queensland at the WACA Ground last season.

Angel turns 36 in April and is in his 13th season with WA. The right-arm quick said his retirement has come about from wear and tear on his body.

"It's a case of the mind being willing and the body not being able to cope with the demands of professional cricket anymore," he said.

The WACA has dedicated the final home Pura Cup match of the season to Angel and will hold a lunch in his honour on Friday at the WACA ground. Many past WA greats are expected to attend.

© Cricinfo