Well its been a while between drinks for the Barramundies men, but the hard work has not stop and neither has the excitement surrounding PNG cricket. New head coach Dipak Patel has arrived in the country and has ripped in straight away. Last weeks Big bash and World cup Trophy arrival has provided the perfect hit out for the players heading into a big month. So lets get started firstly we'll run through the squad and the fixtures.
The Squad: Chris Amini (c), Jack Vare (v/c), Assad Vala, Mahuru Dai, WIllie Gavera, Tony Ura, Charles Amini Jnr, Vani V Morea, Raymond Haoda Jnr, Pipi Raho, John B Reva, Kila Pala, Lega Siaka & Normana Vanua. Reserves - Jason Kila, Kiplin Doriga, Kabua V Morea & Dogodo Bau
The usual suspects and key players have returned for another hit out. The notable admissions are Chris Kent and Geraint Jones who are busy overseas either playing cricket or studying hard. Andrew Hicks has also been dropped since the last SACA series. Norman Vanua returns for the 50 over series as he didn't take part in the SACA 50 over series last time round due to study.
The fixtures: Things will start off tomorrow on the Gold Coast where the Barras play an All Star SACA premier league Side in a one T20 and one 50 over match series. PNG will then Fly up to Darwin where they will play the Australian Indigenous side and an East-Asia Pacific side in some 50 over and T20 matches. Prior to the SACA Premier league starting the barras have a one off 50 over game against the United Arab Emirates. Then the key tournament the SACA premier league 50 over and 2 day tournament (which will be held in Adelaide)
So with all that in mind I'll just run over a few things. The match against the UAE might actually prove to be the Barras most important. With ODI status comes responsibly and i'm sure that the boys will be wanting to prove to the other ODI status sides they can mix it with them. Last time the UAE humiliated the Barras in NZ however the pitches in Darwin are fast and furious and will go against the Spin dominated UAE, im sure the PNG bowlers could send a message to the rest of the cricket world with a dominate performance here.
The premier league is a great development platform for the side. Since entering it the Barras have gone from strength to strength on and off the field, this year will give us a clear indication of where the barras are at with ODI status now doors are just going to keep opening up. Hopefully well see a few boys sign full Big Bash or state contracts in the next few years.
Also its worth pointing out there are 5 PNG players playing for the EAP 11 in their matches against the NT Strike and Australian indigenous sides, they are Jason Kila, Dogodo Bau, Kiplin Dorgia, Kabua Morea and Reily Hekeure.
Good luck players, coaches and all involved. Enjoy the month its a big one.
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