EAP players get to train with Sri Lanka squad

Players at the ICC EAP Centre of Excellence had the opportunity of a lifetime this week to train alongside the Sri Lanka national team at the Cricket Australia (CA) Centre of Excellence (CoE) in Brisbane.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) was heavily represented, along with players from Fiji and Japan, and the group were eager to improve with guidance from some of Australia's best coaches.

The camp began on Sunday 17th October with a 25 over match against the Sunshine Coast Scorchers at Maroochydore Cricket Club, but unfortunately the EAP side fell 22 runs short of the required 158 for victory.

The better performers on the day for EAP were Pipi Raho (PNG) with 4 for 16 from his 4 overs, Raymond Haoda Junior who took 2 for 27 from five overs, while with the bat Jack Vare (33*) and Sese Bau (29) performed admirably.

On Wednesday 20 October, during a session at the Centre of Excellence, the EAP squad was treated to a net session with the touring Sri Lankan ODI side, preparing for their upcoming series against Australia.

The bowling group was given the opportunity to put the Sri Lankan batsmen through their paces in a net session, with stars such as Mahela Jayawardena present, whilst also sharing their experiences with Test cricket's leading wicket taker, Muttiah Muralidaran.

Over the six day duration the squad had coaching sessions from the likes of Craig McDermott, David Fitzgerald and PNG Director of Coaching Andy Bichel.

The week culminated in a fantastic win against the Australian Gateway Sports XI, with PNG Barramundi Kapena Arua smashing an outstanding 97, well supported by Tony Ura (53) and Vali Albert (37).

Haoda Junior and Jason Kila did the job for EAP with the ball, grabbing 3 wickets each.

Week Two sees a core of players from Vanuatu visit the Centre of Excellence, along with emerging players from PNG, Fiji and Japan.