Cricket stars to play in bash

By TRAVERTZ MABONE
THE Pacific MMI and Motor Vehicle Insurance Ltd ‘Don’t drink and drive’ T20 Legends bash featuring legendary Sri Lankan off-spinner Muttiah Muralitharan begins tomorrow at Amini Park in Port Moresby.
And along with Murali will be eight other former Test and one-day stars chipping in to promote the saftey campaign message as well as cricket in the six-team series.
Murali, the Test world record holder with 800 wickets, was in Lae yesterday thrilling fans with his presence as he participated in another cricket clinic while former Australian Test spearhead Craig McDermott was in Alotau doing a similar clinic.
Although Murali will not play in the Twenty20 matches, his presence alone should bring a large crowd to Amini Park.
Meanwhile, two members of the T20 Legends bash visited Makerupu in Central’s Rigo district where children got to learn the sport with drills and games under the  watchful eyes the legends.
Invited along with the BSP School Cricket programme were former England captain Adam Hollioke, Australian medium pacer Greg Campbell and former Queensland bowler GregRowell.
The legends took the time out to share their knowledge giving tips  on the various skills to the children.
The trio proved their passion for cricket saying they had enjoyed working with the youngsters.
Rowell, a first timer in PNG, said it was a good trip going out to the villages and was surprised at the cricket following .
“This clearly shows the love of the game which is good for cricket,” Rowell said.
“The conditions up here are prefect for the summer sport and has all the ingredients for a perfect game.
“I’ve had a look at the wickets at Amini and they are perfectly even and true which is best for fast bowlers like myself,” the 2m taller bolwer said
 “I’m looking forward to the weekend’s matches.”
He also commended Cricket PNG and BSP saying that their junior development initiative would greatly develop cricket.
Campbell also revealed that he would be return for a 12-month stint assisting Cricket PNG as their operations manager.