The former Australian cricketer and Sri Lankan coach, Moody was on hand to launch of the third season of the Perdaman South West Cricket Academy.

Moody – who has been involved with cricket for more than 25 years – represented Perdaman Industries and the passionate belief they have to create a pathway country cricket stars.

He said that the cricket academy was an initiative to fast-track talented South West athletes to the major cricket leagues in the city.

“In the last two years, already we have been able to give opportunities to aspiring cricketers in the South West,” Moody said.

“We are hoping that over time the academy will be a part of helping kids get to the Australian teams.

“It has been a long time since we have had a country representative in the Australian team.”

WA Cricket Association country programs manager Tim Lees said that this year would be bigger and better than ever.

“The WACA are already looking at plans superior to last year,” he said.

“We are passionate about talent in the region and need programs like this to develop it.”

Moody said the next stop would be to expand the facilities and what is on offer here.

“At the end of the season we will review the first three years and look at how we can improve,” he said.