Barras as good a fielding unit as any: Dawes

CRICKET PNG national head coach Joe Dawes, pictured, says while he was expecting the Barramundis to win next week’s ICC East Asia Pacific Regional T20 finals in Port Moresby, the aim would be build momentum heading to Namibia for the World Cup (50-overs) qualifiers.
“We just need to play smart cricket,” Dawes said.
“Their (Barras) natural ability is incredible.
“As a fielding unit, they’ve got potential to be as good as anyone in the world. The consultant that we use with the fielding said we’ve got some fielders here that are as good as anyone he’s ever worked with and he’s worked all the way around the world,” the former Queensland fast bowler said.
“The team’s natural ability is good, I just need them to work on being thinking and smarter cricketers.
“Understanding the game and knowing when to use their skills and how to use them.”
A squad captained by Assad Vala will take on Philippines and Vanuatu starting on Wednesday and Dawes, without a hint or arrogance or presumption, said winning was their goal — they would play four games in as many days — before heading to Namibia for the tougher assignment.
“We have to win it.
“We have to pre-empt it because we go two weeks later to Namibia.
“That’s a massive tournament as well for us, so we’ve been working towards both of these and we expect to do well in both,” Dawes said.