Gardner is a key member of Barras squad, says McDowell

PAPUA New Guinea Barramundi Jack Gardner will be a valuable member of the national men’s team for this year’s international fixtures according to an official.
Cricket PNG (CPNG) general manager Lee McDowell told The National yesterday that the development player was among a handful of men who had played regular cricket during the Coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic.
Gardner and fellow Barramundis squad member Chad Soper are the only two overseas-based players.
“Gardner has been in the CPNG system for a few years now,” McDowell said.
“He has been cruelly affected by injury which caused his withdrawal from the 2018 Under-19 World Cup where he was replaced by Sema Kamea, who is also a Barramundis development player.
“He is a young fast bowler who has been working extremely hard to get his growing body right for the rigours of his craft and has been working with a renowned bowling coach in Brisbane, Vic Williams.
“Gardner has been able to get plenty of cricket for Sandgate-Redcliffe in the Brisbane competition throughout the Coronavirus pandemic which ultimately aided in his fitness, form and selection.
“Jack has a strong work ethic and will be doing all he can to break into the playing 11 but is acutely aware of the challenge ahead of him.
“He is very much a team player and will undoubtedly be a valuable member of the squad.”
Meanwhile, McDowell said the 16-man national squad would have two non-playing reserves for the Cricket World Cup league two competition and only one non-playing reserve for the Twenty20 World Cup in October.