Barras change tack

LEG spinner Charles Amini Jr is back in the Barramundis fold for the cricket World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe later this month.
He is joined by left-arm off spinner Jason Kila as newly appointed national coach Joe Dawes looks to add variety and potency to the Barras attack.
Selectors chairman Daniel Faunt said: “Notable exclusions from that tour include Nosiana Pokana, who was not eligible for selection, and Dogodo Bau, who has missed selection also on the basis that we have elected to include some variation within our bowling group.
“In that regard, we have selected Charles Amini Jr who provides us with a leg-spinning option, middle order batting depth and dynamism in the field.
“Charles returns from a 12-month break and has worked hard to put himself in a position to be selected and we feel he will be a terrific addition to the group.
“We have also selected Jason Kila primarily due to his left-arm orthodox spin capability which we feel is a missing piece of our attack.
“Jason’s pedigree as a batsman is also well known and he is an excellent fielder as well. Both Charles and Jason will add variety to our attack particularly in the spin bowling department which is an area we feel that has been lacking in recent times. We wish the Barramundis all the best in their campaign.”
Coach Dawes and the selection committee are working to get PNG back on track after a slight dip in form over the last 12 months.
Dawes highlighted the need for a stronger spin contingent after assessing the Barramundis.
Dawes is an experienced bowling coach having worked with current test and one-day star in India’s Ravichandran Ashwin.
Both Kila and Amini Jr have been learning as much as they can under Dawes and recently with consultant coach Liam O’Connor.
They will be chomping at the bit to be in the playing 11 in each game, after returning to the squad from long absences.
They add depth to the batting while also bolstering the spin options.
The signs are positive for the Barramundis but they will need to play their best cricket in Zimbabwe in order to achieve their goal of qualifying for the ODI World Cup.
PNG: Assad Vala (c), Vani Vagi Morea, Lega Siaka, Tony Ura, Sese Bau, Mahuru Dai, Damien Ravu, John Boge Reva, Alei Nao, Jason Kila, Chad Soper, Kipling Doriga, Norman Vanua, Jack Vare-Kevere, Charles Amini Jr.