Coach Sandri puts hope in back up plans

NATIONAL cricket head coach Carl Sandri says he optimistic about alternate plans in terms of preparation following Papua New Guinea’s withdrawal from a T20 competition in Australia.
The withdrawal, a setback to the Barramundis’ T20 World Cup preparation, was due to uncertainties around travel clearance amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
“In the current environment, you just have to be ready for hurdles,” Sandri said in a statement last week.
“We always have contingencies and this one was no different.
“Our friends at Boroko Motors have come to the rescue, sponsoring an Isuzu Barras Bash T20 series in the interim.
“We have also moved forward our travel to Oman and have now scheduled more practice games prior to the World Cup.
“The Northern Territory Cricket 365 T20 Strike League competition would have been great as it includes the Melbourne Stars and Renegades from the Big Bash League.
“But we’ll have to wait till next year.
“Spending more time in Oman definitely has its advantages in terms of acclimatising and playing more matches against fellow World Cup competitors.
“The overall length away is shortened as well so mentally the boys will be better placed.”
Cricket PNG will release details of the Isuzu Barras Bash early this week. It will run over two weeks, culminating on Aug 22 with the Barras due to leave PNG on Aug 28.