Recently-retired Australian Test cricketer Chadd Sayers has joined the PNG Barramundis as Assistant Coach for the duration of the ICC T20 World Cup.
On the fringes of national representation for years, Sayers played one Test for Australia in their 2018 tour to South Africa, claiming the wickets of AB De Villiers and Kagiso Rabada. Sayers is also one of South Australia’s most successful Sheffield Shield bowlers, retiring as the third highest wicket-taker in the Redbacks’ history.
In a press release issued by Cricket PNG, national coach Carl Sandri said “having a quality former player, coach and person like Chadd, who has only just retired from playing at the highest domestic level in Australia, will bring knowledge, experience and professionalism to our group. We are extremely lucky to have him on board with the Barras and I’m looking forward to him having a positive impact on the squad.”
Sayers made note of the strong connection between PNG and South Australian cricket, cemented in part, by Jason Gillespie’s tenure as interim Head Coach of the Barramundis. “I have always picked Dizzy’s brain about cricket and I feel privileged to be able to follow in his footsteps into the coaching ranks with PNG.”
Sayers is also familiar with PNG’s cricketers, having competed against the Barramundis in the West End Redbacks League (formerly the SACA Premier League) a number of years ago.
Speaking about the challenges ahead and the side’s potential, Sayers said, “I’m excited to see what we can do at the tournament. I know the type of cricket the Barras can play having played against them a few years ago in South Australia. The energy and passion the Barras play with is infectious and I think we can surprise the World and make PNG proud to Back the Barras!”
Coming off the Isuzu National One Day Cup, the Barramundis are now switching into T20 mode. Preparations for the World Cup have been disrupted by the spread of the delta strain in Australia, and uncertainty around the timing of travel exemption approvals into Darwin for the Northern Territory 365 Cricket T20 Strike League.
In lieu of participation in the tournament, Cricket PNG will host the Isuzu Barras Bash before the team travels to UAE and Oman on 28 August for a World Cup preparation tour.
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