BATSMAN Chris Rogers is leaving Western Australia to play for Victoria next season.
Rogers, who played his only Test last summer against India in Perth, advised WA coach Tom Moody of his decision today and it prompted WACA chief executive Graeme Wood to express disappointment and bewilderment.
Wood said in a statement it was disappointing that Rogers "has walked away from the state and the team that has helped him to become an international player".
"The Warriors team is in the best position it has been for a number of years to challenge for sustained success in all formats of interstate competition, and we are very disappointed that Chris has chosen to continue his career elsewhere," Wood said.
"WACA board members, senior management and coaching staff have met with Chris on a number of occasions to discuss his future, culminating in the meeting last month with myself; Tom Moody and WACA state match committee chairman Tom Hogan where it was made very clear to him that he is an important and valued member of the team.
"Many of Chris' Warriors team mates have also spoken to him in the hope of convincing him to stay for what promises to be an exciting future for WA cricket.
"It is bewildering that Chris has chosen to walk away from playing regularly at the WACA Ground, a ground where he has had so much success as a player on one of the best pitches in Australia." AAP