WACA pros offer up T20 tips

Bulgarra Oval was filled with cries of "howzat" last week as WACA staff hosted free T20 games for children interested in trying out for the upcoming season.

More than 60 children turned up to test their form and get some handy hints from game development staff Brian Shields and Samantha Devine.

WACA country cricket co-ordinator Tim Lees said he was happy with the turnout.

"The season starts in the first week of summer and runs all summer through to March," he said.

"Because of the heat we have to think outside the square so we run the T20 competition at night time under the lights.

"It is a fantastic format for us to include in the North West and is a key pathway into our In2 Cricket program."

WACA has also employed participation officers in Karratha and Port Hedland to give cricket a presence in the towns.

Western Warriors fast bowler Ryan Duffield came out of regional competitions and said hard work was just as important as ability.

"I was never any good and my mates actually teased me about how bad a bowler I was," he said.

"I recall one year I went away and bowled at a drench keg all summer holidays to get better."

Chloe Piparo said backyard cricket helped her on her way to playing for the Western Fury.

Registration for the 2014-15 season closes on Thursday.