Barramundis named, Amini made vice-captain

ALL-rounder Charles Amini Junior has been named vice-captain of the Hebou PNG Barramundis squad that will compete in the ICC WT20 East-Asia-Pacific (EAP) Qualifier ‘A’ in Suva, Fiji, from August 25-30.
The 14-man squad was announced by Cricket PNG with Assad Vala to captain the side.
The 26-year-old Amini debuted for PNG in 2013 in a T20 fixture against Kenya in Dubai and been a regular in the side apart from taking time off for studies.
Amini has good pedigree with both his father Charles Senior, grandfather Brian and brother Christopher having all played and captained the country.
A leg-spinning lower order batsman, who has a reputation as one of the best fielders inside the circle, has played six one day internationals with a highest score of 61 not out and a batting average of 24.20.
National selector Taunao Vai said it was no easy task to select this group of players.
“The selection committee has considered the input of national coach Joe Dawes, captain Assadollah Vala and the general performances of our group of players over the last few months as well as during the Hebou Shield,” Vai said.
“We have come up with a mix of vibrant and dynamic cricketers that can hopefully do our country proud.”
The squad will feature 12 players from the Port Moresby Cricket Association, Chad Soper who is currently based in Sydney playing grade cricket for Northern District and Damian Ravu from the Lae Cricket Association.
Coach Dawes has seen the talent and form of the squad over the last three months of training and competition.
“The team has a good mixture of youth and experience, keeping in mind who might be there four years from now,” Dawes said.
“Our strategy for the qualifiers is very straightforward — win. Winning is a habit, a mentality that we have failed to cultivate in the past but are looking to change that with this tournament.
“We are entering a new cycle with the ICC. The last eight year cycle ended and we’re looking forward to the next four years, which includes the 2020 T20 World Cup in Australia.
“There are some changes to our team since the last time the Barramundis played in Zimbabwe.”
The major omissions from the squad were veteran wicket-keeper Jack Vare-Kevere and all-rounder Mahuru Dai from the squad that competed in the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe.
Paceman Nosiana Pokana returns to the squad after the ICC cleared his suspicious action in June while Steven Eno earned a call-up.
Eno has an opportunity to become the 119th Barramundis to receive a “Baggy Black” cap if he manages to makes his debut in Fiji.
Dawes said: “Mahuru (Dai) and Jack (Vare) have been fantastic servants for the team. They have given their all for PNG, but it is the nature of professional sport that age catches up and it is time to move on.”
Dawes said the pair had taken the news well and remained supportive of the team.
Eno was excited to be given this chance, as was Pokana.
“The boys are proud to represent PNG every time we play international cricket. It will be no different for the newcomers,” Vala said.
“The team is fairly young, even though some of the younger players have been involved the Barramundis set up for the last four to five years. We look forward to working as a team and qualifying for the next stage.”
PNG play Samoa, Vanuatu and hosts Fiji twice in T20 matches, starting with the opening match against Samoa on Aug 25.
The top two teams at the end of the tournament advance to the ICC WT20 EAP Regional finals early next year.
The squad travels to Brisbane next Wednesday where they will be based for five days before flying to Fiji.
Barramundis squad: 1. Assad Vala (c), 2. Charles Amini Jr (vc), 3. Lega Siaka, 4. Tony Ura, 5. Sese Bau, 6. Jason Kila, 7. Damien Ravu, 8. John Boge Reva, 9. Alei Nao, 10. Nosiana Pokana, 11. Norman Vanua, 12. Kipling Doriga, 13. Chad Soper, 14. Steven Eno.
Fixtures: Sat, Aug 25 – 0930 PNG v Samoa, 1330 PNG v Fiji; Sun, Aug 26 – 1330 PNG v Vanuatu; Tues, Aug 28 – 0930 PNG v Samoa, 1330 PNG v Fiji; Wed, Aug 29 – 1330 PNG v Vanuatu.