ICC selects Arua, Ruma in women’s global development squad

PAPUA New Guinea Lewas captain Kaia Arua and teammate Tanya Ruma have been selected for the International Cricket Council (ICC) Women’s Global Development Squad (WGDS).
Spinner Arua and top-order batsman Ruma join eleven players from New Zealand, Thailand, Scotland, Bangladesh, Ireland and Indonesia.
The WGDS tour is a development programme organised by ICC and Cricket Australia following the success of similar programmes hosted in England and Australia last year and early this year.
According to ICC women’s cricket manager Holly Colvin, the squad undertook a one-day leadership and team-building training session on Monday before their four-match programmes against the Stars and Renegades in Melbourne and the Hurricanes in Hobart this weekend. They will then join Women’s Big Bash League sides from Oct 17-20 for the opening-round matches.
“The women’s game has caught the imagination of fans in recent years and it is important that we provide opportunities for players and coaches outside of the leading teams to learn from world-class players and test themselves against the best,” Colvin said.
“The WGDS is a great way to develop this talent pool and we are looking forward to more initiatives.”
Cricket PNG general manager Lee MacDowell said he was proud of the pair.
“This is a fantastic initiative in developing women’s cricket,” MacDowell said.
“Kaia and Tanya are fortunate to be provided this opportunity not only to develop their own skills but to share their knowledge with the rest of the Lewas, inspiring their teammates to strive for WGDS opportunities.”
Fixtures: Thurs, Oct 10 – WGDS v Strikers (10am), WGDS v Renegades/Stars (2.30pm); Fri, Oct 11 –WGDS v Strikers (10am); Sun, Oct 13 – WGDS v Hobart Hurricanes/Tigers (10am); Mon, Oct 14 – WGDS v Hobart Hurricanes/Tigers (10am).