Having played only one Test for Australia, after being in the reckoning for national call up for the most part of his domestic career, Chadd Sayers finally has his dream of getting to be a part of a World Cup team. But only that he would now be participating in the ICC T20 World Cup as Assistant Coach of Papua New Guinea who would be participating in their first-ever senior World Cup event.
Carl Sandri, the Head Coach of the Barramundis was excited about a former Australian cricketer joining him and being part of the support staff. “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,” he said. “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,” Sandri added.
Sayers, who has to his name a Test wicket of AB de Villiers and 320 First Class wickets playing for South Australia, feels privileged to become part of the PNG coaching staff and follow in the footsteps of another South Australian great Jason Gillespie, who coach the islanders for a brief period of time.
“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!,” said the 33-year-old Sayers.
PNG became the first team to qualify for the T20 World Cup 2020 after they topped the group stage of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Qualifier 2019 in UAE. They would face the likes of Bangladesh, Scotland and Oman in their quest to enter the Super 12 round.