On the bouncy WACA pitch in Perth he went on to his most successful domestic season, capturing 50 first-class wickets, leading to his national debut the following year.
That was viewed by the Western Australian Cricket Association as a breach of his playing contract, and Williams was suspended for the remainder of the season.
When Western Australia announced their squad for the 2006/07 season he was the notable omission, ostensibly ending his cricket career.
[1] At the time he had raw speed and was widely tipped as a future star for the national team, although his debut for Australia didn't come until a One Day International match against New Zealand in January 2001.
Williams had to wait until October 2003 for his Test debut but he struggled to hold down a regular spot in the national team, due in part to limited opportunity.