Bryce Jackson loses Western Australia deal after being leading one-day bowler

Fast bowler Bryce Jackson, who less than a year ago represented Australia A and finished the recent season as Western Australia’s leading wicket-taker in the One-Day Cup, has lost his state contract while Cameron Gannon, who was WA’s player of the season, has departed for family reasons.

Jackson took 15 wickets at 22.13 in the One-Day Cup, taking his List A record to 34 wickets at 20.79 in 14 matches, but the 26-year-old was not able to break into WA’s Shield side. He had played three one-day matches against Sri Lanka A during the Top End series last winter.

Jackson joins 21-year-old batter Teague Wyllie, who was touted as a future Australia prospect when he became WA’s youngest Shield century-maker in 2022, in not having their domestic deal renewed alongside Baxter Holt and Keaton Critchell.

Wyllie made 71 for a Cricket Australia XI against England Lions last season but only played two Shield matches

Gannon, who claimed 42 wickets at 24.38 in the Shield, has returned to Queensland while while fellow fast bowler Matt Kelly will focus on white-ball cricket.

WA claimed their second consecutive wooden spoon in the Sheffield Shield in what was Adam Voges last season as the state coach.

They faced a contract squeeze for next season after pace bowlers Jhye Richardson and Lance Morris returned to the domestic list after losing their CA deals, but have found room to bring in quick Kieran Elliott from Tasmania.

Elliott played four Shield games for Tasmania last season, taking 10 wickets at 38.60, having claimed 29 at 24.86 the previous summer.

Emerging allrounder Will Malajczuk has been handed his first full contract while there is also a deal for opening batter Tom Murray who impressed in Premier Cricket, making four centuries last season, and scored three half-centuries for the WA second XI.

“We feel now is an opportune time to welcome some fresh faces into the squad after a season that did not play out how we would’ve liked,” WA general manager Kade Harvey said.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kieran Elliott into the program, and we feel he will complement our existing fast bowlers nicely.

“There’s no denying Will Malajczuk’s talents and we are really excited at what he has to offer with both bat and ball. Tom Murray’s form at both Premier Cricket and Toyota Second XI level this season was exemplary and he deserves his opportunity to represent WA.

“We would like to thank Cameron, Baxter, Teague, Bryce and Keaton for their considerable contributions to WA Cricket and wish them well in their future endeavours. Cameron has made a profound impact in a short space of time in WA and it was really pleasing to see that recognised in the form of a Laurie Sawle Medal last season.”

Simon Budge, Albert Esterhuysen, Jordan Quiggin and Corey Wasley retain their rookie list spots.

Beau Casson, the former left-arm wristspinner who played one Test for Australia, has taken over from Voges as WA head coach. Voges will continue as coach of Perth Scorchers in the BBL.

Western Australia men’s squad 2026-27

Cameron Bancroft, Mahli Beardman, Simon Budge (rookie), Hilton Cartwright, Cooper Connolly, Brody Couch, Kieran Elliot, Albert Esterhuysen (rookie), Sam Fanning, Jayden Goodwin, Cameron Green (CA), Aaron Hardie, Liam Haskett, Josh Inglis (CA), Will Malajczuk, Mitchell Marsh (CA), Tom Murray, Lance Morris, Joel Paris, Jordan Quiggin (rookie), Jhye Richardson, Corey Rocchiccioli, Ashton Turner, Corey Wasley (rookie) Sam Whiteman.

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