Paul Rofe

The fast bowler Paul Rofe grew into one of South Australia's most important players following a string of consistent seasons but he has fallen down the state's list of fast bowlers after a couple of leaner summers. In 2007-08 he picked up 14 Pura Cup wickets at 42.35 from six appearances, having grabbed 11 at 46.09 again from six games the previous year. In 2005-06, Rofe had been second on the state's Pura Cup wicket list behind Jason Gillespie, with 31 at 27.27 and a best of 6 for 49 against Western Australia. Rofe stands at 199cm, has a bowling resemblance to Glenn McGrath and has often been a bankable performer for his state since making his first-class debut in 2000-01. In the next four campaigns he collected wicket hauls of 41, 28, 35 and 35 but was not able to convince the national selectors of his worth. South Australia would not swap him, especially as his injury record is relatively clear, but he will need to return to his consistent ways next summer with Jason Gillespie gone and Shaun Tait pushing for Australian action.
Cricinfo staff October 2008