Kent to lead Garamuts for second time

CRICKET PNG national selectors have announced the final PNG Hebou Under 19 (Garamuts) 15-man squad for the Youth World Cup in Queensland, Australia, from Aug 11-27.
The Garamuts are in Pool C with test nation India, West Indies and Zimbabwe.
They leave for Brisbane on Saturday week and go into a camp on the Sunshine Coast where they will play two practice matches against Scotland and Bangladesh in Maroochydore before heading back to Brisbane for two more practice matches against Nepal and Pakistan.
They then head to Townsville for their pool matches with Zimbabwe first up on Aug 11, West Indies Aug 13 and India Aug 16.
The Garamuts will be led for the second time by PNG Barramundis player Chris Kent, who was inspirational in leading his side to their sixth Youth World Cup appearance after finishing in the top five at the World Cup qualifiers in Ireland last year.
He will have the services of fellow Barramundis in opening batsman Lega Siaka, all-rounder Charles Amini, fast bowlers Raymond Haoda and Norman Vanua as well as fast improving wicket-keeper batsman Dogodo Bau.
The squad has also been boosted with the inclusion of PNG-born bowling all-rounder Chad Soper.
Soper currently plays in the senior grade cricket league in Sydney, NSW, and will be bringing in some first-grade experience to the bowling attack.
The Garamuts will have a chance to showcase their talent on home soil as they will be part of the PNG Barramundis squad that will be taking part in the Air Niugini Supa Series this week.
They will be coached by former Barramundi John Ovia with PNG head coach Peter Anderson assisting him.
They will also have the services of former Australian and Tasmanian batsman Michael Dighton who will be their batting coach.
“We are very confident the team we have picked will be able to compete at the world stage.
“I believe we have covered all options from batting, fast bowlers and spinners so am confident we have the firepower to compete with the Test playing nations,” chairman of selectors Api Leka said.
“The squad has a lot of experience with a couple of players being involved with our national senior team over the last 18 months.”
The PNG Garamuts: Chris Kent (c), Lega Siaka, Ratu Maha, Nigel Boge, Vagi Oala, Dogodo Bau, Charles Amini, Henao Geita, Sese Bau, Toua Tom, Chad Soper, Raymond Haoda, Norman Vanua, Alei Nao, Kabua Vagi Morea, Peter Anderson (head coach), John Ovia (coach),    Luke Licht (physio), Michael Dighton (batting coach).
The reserves are     Gavera Agalu, Kiplin Doriga, Mea Nao and Ainui Ere.