Western Australia's cricket production line, famous for its conveyor belt of fast bowling talent, is poised to unleash another promising left-arm quick onto the domestic scene. Jordan Quiggan, a 20-year-old paceman, is firmly in the frame to make his Sheffield Shield debut this summer, aiming to add his name to a rich lineage of left-armers from the west.
A Rich History Beckons for the Young Quick
The state has a formidable reputation for nurturing left-arm pace bowlers, a tradition that includes modern greats like Mitchell Starc and Jason Behrendorff, as well as past stars such as Bruce Reid and Brad Williams. Now, Quiggan stands at the threshold of joining this exclusive club. His impressive performances at training and in recent matches have not gone unnoticed by the WA coaching staff, who are actively considering him for a spot in the red-ball side.
Quiggan's journey has been one of steady progression. Hailing from Perth, he has risen through the state's age-group pathways, honing his skills and developing the physical attributes needed for the demanding role of a fast bowler. His ability to generate pace and swing the new ball has marked him as a player of significant potential. The young bowler himself is acutely aware of the legacy he could be stepping into, viewing it as an inspiration rather than a burden.
Earning His Stripes and Awaiting the Call
The opportunity for Quiggan has been amplified by the current composition of the WA squad. With established internationals like Starc and Behrendorff often on national duty, and other bowlers managing workloads, spots in the Shield attack can open up. WA's senior coach, Adam Voges, has confirmed that Quiggan is very much in the selection conversation. Voges praised the youngster's development, noting his strong pre-season and the consistent threat he poses with the ball in hand.
Quiggan's recent outing for a WA XI against a visiting New South Wales side provided a valuable showcase. While the match was primarily a developmental fixture, it offered a glimpse of his capabilities against quality opposition. Every spell he bowls is now an audition for that coveted Baggy Gold cap, the symbol of Sheffield Shield representation for Western Australia.
The Future of WA's Pace Attack
For Quiggan, the focus remains on continual improvement and readiness. He understands that breaking into a squad as successful as Western Australia's, the reigning Shield champions, requires patience and peak performance. His goal is not just to make a debut but to establish himself as a long-term contributor to the state's bowling arsenal.
The potential debut of Jordan Quiggan represents more than just a new player entering the fray. It signifies the ongoing health and depth of cricket in Western Australia, particularly in its most celebrated department: fast bowling. If selected, he will carry the hopes of continuing a proud tradition, offering a new left-arm angle for batsmen to contend with in the Sheffield Shield. The cricketing public in the west will be watching closely, eager to see if the next chapter in their left-arm legacy is about to be written.
