Cricket in city expected to improve with new pitch

By ROBINSON LEKA
PORT Moresby cricket is expected to improve following the laying out of a new turf wicket earlier this year, says Papua New Guinea Barramundis coach Joe Dawes.
He recently returned from Australia following a three-month curb on international travel in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“The ground at Amini Park has held one-day international (ODI) status for about four years now and upgrade is designed to refresh and better level the playing surface,” Dawes told The National yesterday.
“Hopefully, our players get a better experience and not worry about the wet weather.”
Cricket in the country will focus on two of its major domestic tournaments this year, which are Curtain Brothers T20 Smash and Isuzu National Cup (50 overs).
Both events will be used to push for selection into the men’s and women’s national teams.
The turf at Amini Park was sourced from Australian turf provider Twin View Turf, which is responsible for the surface on the Gabba and Suncorp Stadium.
It had been cut, washed and certified before being transferred to Port Moresby.
After the turf was laid out in February, all cricket activities and programmes around the country were stopped following the Covid-19 state of emergency.