Barras take on duo for Dubai challenge

THE Hebou PNG Barramundis are just 25 days away from the biggest tournament of their lives.
The team will travel to Dubai, United Arab Emirates on April 5 to play for a spot in the top 20 cricket nations in the world, in the International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League Division 2 tournament.
The Barramundis will face UAE, Namibia, Bermuda, Hong Kong and Uganda in a series of six matches to decide world rankings (17-22).
Success for the Barramundis is a top two finish consolidating their position in the world’s top 18 and achieving ICC high performance funding as well as the important ODI (one day international) official status that goes with the rankings.
To add support to the team, Cricket PNG chief executive officer Bill Leane announced an additional two more International high performance coaches into the Barramundis coaching panel who will travel with the side to Dubai.
Ray Bright, a former leftarm Australian Test spin bowler (187 first class matches, 25 Tests, 11 ODIs including 53 Test wickets), will join the Barramundis as a specialist spin bowling coach.
Leane said: “Ray has recently been working in Australia with Jason Kila and Mahuru Dai and their form while on a Brian Bell Future Star scholarship has been outstanding.
“Ray is currently a specialist coach and selector with the Victorian Bushrangers and is an Australian youth selector.
“His knowledge and experience adds a whole new dimension to our group.”
The second inclusion is New Zealander Andrew Cavill, who previously had a short stint with Cricket  PNG.
“Andrew is a highly experienced level 3 New Zealand coach with a track record of success having recently coached Central Districts to the NZ second tier title,” Lean said.
“Andrew also worked with our coaches and players at last year’s U19 World Cup and showed his ability to communicate well with our boys.
“He will assume the role as batting coach within the group to work on maximising our batting potential in these cut throat ICC tournaments,” he said.
“Both Ray and Andrew have shown that they communicate well with our Barramundis and Garamuts,” Lean added.
“Their experience adds to the panel which includes former Australian Test cricketer Greg Campbell and is headed by former Australian ODI and Test star Andy Bichel who will ensure that the Barramundi squad is kept well resourced and well supported against strong opposition.”
“We do anticipate strong results,” he said.