Barras name Dawes as coach

FORMER Queensland state bowler Joe Dawes has been appointed coach of the Papua New Guinea senior men’s cricket team.
Dawes, who took 238 wickets in only 64 first class games, has held positions such as the assistant coach of the Australian women’s cricket team and bowling coach of India.
Dawes is currently completing a coaching stint with Adelaide in the Big Bash League.
Had it not been for a serious knee injury in 2005, Dawes was on the way to breaking a state record for most number of wickets taken — given his impressive strike rate of 3.7 wickets per match.
Since injuries forced his retirement, Dawes has been involved with the sport and counts it a blessing to be able to work in an industry that he feels passionately about.
“I fell in love with cricket when he was seven years old and been in love with it ever since. I am one of those lucky people who is able to earn a living from doing what I love and that is the sport of cricket,” Dawes said.
The humble 47-year-old has worked with the Barras before, when he came to the country for a stint as a consultant coach last year.
He oversaw the WCLC wins against Scotland that saw the Hebou-sponsored Barras qualify for the tournament in Zimbabwe.
When the chance came to return as the head coach, he willingly accepted.
“Papua New Guinea is a fantastic challenge. To be able to help our neighbours in their bid to qualify for the Cricket World Cup in 2019 was an unbelievable opportunity that I could not give up,” Dawes said.
“It will be a different challenge, the opportunity to run my own programme was very exciting.
“Anyone who gets into coaching, wants to run their own programme — it is the dream job to oversee the progress of a team and be in charge of a talented squad.
“Once I spoke to the Greg Campbell (CPNG CEO) and the opportunity became available, it was a no brainer to be given the privilege of coaching the Barramundis.
“As a plus, PNG isn’t far away from Brisbane so I will close to my family too.”
Beyond the World Cup qualifiers in Zimbabwe, Dawes has grand plans for the national set up.
Having worked for many years at the National Cricket Centre in Queensland, improving the crop of cricketers at the grassroot level is something he is passionate about.
“I obviously have a real passion for fast bowling. For a team to be successful, we need a big group of guys. I will work with the coaching team on ideas to develop fast bowlers down the line.”