Warriors cite alcohol-related breach of team rules

Marsh and Pomersbach suspended indefinitely

Cricinfo staff

November 19, 2007

The Warriors will miss Luke Pomersbach, who has been in excellent form © Getty Images

Western Australia have suspended Luke Pomersbach and Shaun Marsh indefinitely after an alcohol-related breach of team rules in the lead-up to this week's FR Cup and Pura Cup matches. The suspensions are a major blow for Western Australia as both players scored centuries in the Warriors' last Pura Cup match and Pomersbach is second only to Simon Katich on the competition run tally.

They have been left out of the FR Cup squad to take on South Australia in Adelaide on Wednesday, although the Pura Cup team for the match starting on Friday has not been announced. The Western Australian Cricket Association released a statement that said Graeme Wood, the WACA chief executive, and team management would investigate the matter further.

"[Marsh and Pomersbach] have been suspended indefinitely for a breach of team rules, relating to the consumption of alcohol against team policy and against the advice of team management on preparation for the upcoming fixtures in Adelaide," the statement said. "The WACA will not be making any further comment whilst [the investigation] takes place."

The decision leaves Western Australia with an under-strength side for their one-day game, with the allrounders Theo Doropoulos and Sean Ervine named to replace Pomersbach and Marsh. That might give South Australia a greater chance of a farewell victory for the retiring Darren Lehmann, who will be playing his final one-day match for his state.

Western Australia squad Justin Langer, Luke Ronchi (wk), Adam Voges (capt), Sean Ervine, Matt Johnston, Theo Doropoulos, Brad Hogg, Darren Wates, Shawn Gillies, Ben Edmondson, Steve Magoffin, Danny McLauchlan.

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