PNG Hebou Garamuts squad named for the Youth World Cup

Source: Cricket PNG

Chris Kent, sure to lead the way for PNG
Source: Cricket PNG

Cricket PNG national selectors have announced the final PNG Hebou Under 19 (Garamuts) 15 man squad that will be participating in the Youth World Cup in Queensland Australia from August 11th to August 27th 2012.

The Garamuts are in Pool C with test nation heavy weights India, West Indies & Zimbabwe. They leave for Brisbane on Saturday 28th July 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 & Pakistan. They then head to Townsville for their pool matches with Zimbabwe first up on Saturday 11th August, West Indies on Monday 13th August and then face India on Thursday 16th August.

The Garamuts will be led by PNG Barramundi’s stalwart Chris Kent who was inspirational in leading his young men to their 6th Youth World Cup appearance after finishing 5th out of 12 in the World Cup qualifiers in Ireland last year. He will have the services of fellow PNG Barramundi’s in explosive opening batsman Lega Siaka, Leg spinning all-rounder Charles Amini, fast bowlers, Raymond Haoda & Norman Vanua & 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 in the bowling attack.

These Garamuts players will have a chance to showcase their talent on home soil as they will be part of the PNG Barramundi’s 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 Barramundi’s head coach, Peter Anderson assisting him. They will also have the services of former Australian & 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 & spinners so am confident we have the firepower to compete with the Test playing nations” said chairman of selectors, Api Leka “The squad has a lot of experience with a couple of players being involved with our PNG Barramundi’s over the last 18 months”