Amini to lead Barramundis

CHRIS Amini has been named captain in place of the unavailable Rarua Dikana to lead the Hebou Barramundis squad in the Air Niugini Supa Series cricket tournament in Port Moresby from July 19-22.

The core of the squad which recently competed in the ICC T20 World Cup qualifiers in Dubai is joined by a number of the national Under 19 Hebou Garamuts players and others who have performed well in the current Hebou Shield tournament.

Hebou Barramundis coach, Peter Anderson, arrived yesterday to oversee the final stages of preparation for the squad.

"We are now looking to the future.

"We have brought in some players who will be in the Under 19 Hebou Garamuts team to Australia later this month for the Youth World Cup," PNG Cricket high performance manager, Rarua Dikana said yesterday.

"This series will be a good test for us once again with the likes of Singapore and Hong Kong whom we have had close encounters with in recent years.

"The Gold Coast/Brisbane squad will also be a tough opposition for us as they have included two first class players that played for the Brisbane Heat in last season’s KFC T20 Big Bash."

The tournament will begin with 50-over matches next Thursday followed by Twenty20 matches on July 21 and 22 at Amini Park and Colts Ground.

The 16-strong squad: Chris Amini (captain) Chris Kent, Joel Tom, Charles Amini Jnr, Jack Vare (v/c), Vani Vagi Morea, Willie Gavera, Raymond Haoda Jr, Assad Vala, Tony Ura, Norman Vanua, Dogodo Bau, Mahuru Dai, Jason Kila, Lega Siaka and John Kopiani

Ends…di