EAP Player in Focus - Christopher Amini (PNG)

Christopher Amini (PNG) - RHB/RM

Amini is a well-known cricketing name in Papua New Guinea with many of his family playing for the national side from years gone by. The national cricket ground is even named after the Amini family.

Chris is currently the PNG national captain and had a very successful time in the recent Pepsi EAP Men?s Cricket Trophy in Samoa earlier this year when he collected the silverware for both the T20 and 50-over competition. He was also named in the team of the tournament and the T20 player of the tournament.

Amini was named vice captain of the EAP team after his success in Samoa and also the way he led the side on one occasion during the EAP squad camp in Brisbane. He is one of the brightest cricketers in the region with both bat and ball and is currently playing club cricket in Melbourne for the Australian summer.

During the 2009 edition of Australian Country Cricket Championship (ACCC), he was unable to attend due to work commitments and the fact that PNG was about to participate in Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Division 3, so this carnival is a great chance for the 25-year-old to press claims as one of the best players at the championship. Some even believe that he may be good enough to be named in the Australian Country Team that will play a exhibition match against the ACA masters.

Coach Charlie Burke commented: "Chris or Kili as he is known amongst the group has matured over the last few years and has got a real good understanding of his own game. Under the guidance of former Australian cricketer and now coaching director Andy Bichel and his opportunities at international level, it is time we see the best of Chris Amini"

"Chris will bat for majority of the tournament in all forms of the game, he is an attacking player who enjoys driving the ball and runs well between the wickets, any bowling attack will find him hard to bowl too as he does have a variety of shots and is not frightened to back himself. His bowling has come on a lot and is one of the more recognized containing bowlers in the squad, he took a fantastic five-wicket haul during the EAP camp and has no doubt got a lot of confidence from that"

The ACCC will start with a T20 double header in Albury on 3 January next year.