Moody to stop Warriors 'stumbling at critical times'

Tom Moody said there would be no sweeping changes in the Western Australia's cricket team despite the fact the Warriors have not won a Pura Cup since 1998-99, when Moody himself captained them to victory. Western Australia scored a major coup by securing Moody, who recently guided Sri Lanka to the World Cup final and became one of the hottest properties in international coaching.

Moody has initially signed on for three years and said one of his main aims was to set up the state for future success by helping junior players reach their potential. "It is important that the message we deliver at the top is learnt at under-17 and under-19 level," Moody told The West Australian.

"We need to start the pattern so that 15- or 17-year-olds know what is expected to play state or international cricket. Whether it is technically, physically or mentally, or just game-wise, we want to make it clear that is the way the Warriors play and this is our brand of cricket."

Moody, one of Western Australia's favourite cricketing sons, said he would initially take a careful approach with the Warriors. "I have to evaluate the cricketing structure and review what has been and what are the issues that need to be addressed," Moody said.

"I have my ideas but I am not going to come crashing through the door like a bull in a china shop. WA have been very successful but perhaps in the past couple of years they have stumbled a bit at critical times."

Moody confirmed he had approached Simon Katich, the former Western Australia batsman who has spent the last five seasons at New South Wales, about returning to Perth. However, Katich is likely to stay on at New South Wales and continue captaining the state.