Williams remains a Western Warrior

Brad Williams has chosen to stay at Western Australia despite considering a move back home to Victoria yesterday. The Western Australian Cricket Association made the announcement this afternoon that Williams, who had an injury-hit summer last season, would remain in Perth.

"I am happy to be staying and getting down to business," Williams, who has played four Tests, said. "It's a pretty exciting time and I get the chance to take our young fast bowlers under my wing and lead from the front."

Western Australia were third in the Pura Cup in March and Williams, who moved west in 1999, said he wanted to lead them to a final. "It was a disappointing end to last season and I believe we can go one better," he said.

Tony Dodemaide, the WACA chief executive, said Williams was an important signing. "With an attack of Brad and Mathew Inness along with Steve Magoffin, Ben Edmondson, Brett Dorey and Beau Casson, the Warriors will have one of the most formidable bowling combinations in Australia," he said. The move ended speculation Williams would head to Melbourne if he was offered a two-season deal with the Bushrangers.

Shane Harwood and Ian Harvey were also deciding today whether to stay in Melbourne or nominate for the transfer pool. Harwood has been targeted by Tasmania while Harvey, a one-day international two seasons ago, is investigating his options. Ken Jacobs, the Cricket Victoria chief executive, is also hopeful of a decision from Brad Hodge, who has been chased by New South Wales.