PNG names squad for Sri Lanka Tour
Cricket PNG have finalised the 17-man squad that will be touring in Colombo, Sri Lanka at the end of this month.
The squad boasts the core of the PNG Hebou Barramundi's that were successful in the recently completed Pepsi ICC EAP Championship in Auckland, New Zealand.
Also included in the squad are two Under 17 players, Riley Hekure and Hiri Patane who were members of the PNG Gecko's (under 17) squad that won the ICC EAP under 17 Championship in July 2012.
The 17 man squad will leave for Colombo, Sri Lanka on Saturday 30th March and will play two T20 matches, three 50 over matches followed by a two day (90 overs a day) match against the Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) Emerging Player Squad.
The squad will also have the opportunity to train at the prestigious Aravinda de Silva (ADS) Cricket Foundation where they will have access to first class coaches and facilities.
The ADS Cricket Foundation is an academy that was initially setup by Sri Lankan cricketing great, Aravinda de Silva. The Foundation aims to discover grassroots cricketing talent from amongst the youth in Sri Lanka's rural and regional areas and groom them to play in the Sri Lankan national team.
"This is another great opportunity to get exposed to some high quality cricket. It's going to be a great experience for the players and us coaches. Gives all the players the opportunity to gain some experience that will further improve all facets of the game for each of the players," said an eager Head Coach, Peter Anderson.
"We obviously have a big year ahead of us and this is the start of the road to Dubai. Players have the chance of putting their hand to be selected into the final squad for Dubai," he said.
Cricket PNG General Manager, Greg Campbell was excited by the prospect of touring Sri Lanka. "We had the honour of having Aravinda (de Silva) come to PNG in July last year to take part in the inaugural Pacific MMI Legends Big Bash."
"He was impressed with the talent our PNG boys had showcased over that weekend and brought up the idea of having the PNG team travel to Sri Lanka to visit his academy and also play against some teams."
The squad will be captained by Chris Amini with wicket keeper Jack Vare as his deputy.
17 Man Squad: Chris Amini (c), Jack Vare (v/c), Assad Vala, Tony Ura, Willie Gavera, Joel Tom, Pipi Raho, Vani Vagi Morea, Jason Kila, Norman Vanua, Charles Amini, Lega Siaka, Sese Bau, Kabua Vagi Morea, John Boge Reva, Riley Hekure (U/17), Hiri Patane (U/17).
Squad will be coached by Peter Anderson with Rarua Dikana his assistant.