Cox gives approval

 PAPUA New Guinea will shine in this year’s South Australian Pre­mier League Cricket, Jamie Cox says.

Cox, the SA director of cricket,  has just returned from PNG, where he has been working with Cricket PNG and the national cricket team, the Hebou Barramundis.

The Barramundis will be entering a team in the SACA’s new competition, due to get under way in September. 

Cox, a Tasmanian cricketer from 1987-2006, met with Cricket PNG general manager Greg Campbell, former Barramundis captain and now assistant coach Rarua Dikana and several players. He said the team was excited about the opportunity of playing in South Aus­tralia, and could see major benefits from exposure to a higher level of competition. 

After meeting with players in the village of Hanuabada, outside Port Moresby, where most of the Barramundis began playing cricket as children, Cox said he would not be surprised to see PNG players getting a state call-up.

“It’s a cricket-mad place; the players are always looking for great exposure and experience to grow their skills, so by having the Barramundis in the Premier League is a win-win for all of us,” Cox said.

“It’s raw and it’s natural. They are a talented bunch who need more exposure.”