CRICKET Fiji named a mixture of experienced and young players in the national men’s side which will tour Australia’s Sunshine Coast from October 26 to November 11 this year.
Head coach Shane Jurgensen said they were eyeing short and long-term development opportunities for the players.
He said the squad had senior players who would be preparing for the upcoming International Cricket Council (ICC) tournament, as well as players from Fiji under-19 squad, who were eligible for selection for the U19 ICC Tournament, which is to be held in New Zealand next February and March.
During the tour, the Fiji team will play six Twenty20 and three 50-over matches against local clubs as well as against the Queensland State development team, the Scorchers.
“The players will additionally have the unique opportunity to play club cricket on the two Saturdays of the tour,” Jurgensen said in a Cricket Fiji statement.
“This presents an invaluable overall learning experience for them playing alongside local cricketers.”
Jurgensen said the Sunshine Coast tour would go ahead instead of the previously planned Tour of India.
He added they hoped to tour India next year.
The national side is preparing for the ICC East-Asia Pacific (EAP) region World Twenty20 and World Cricket League Qualifiers, to be held in Lismore, NSW in Australia on November 18.
Fiji team – Josefa Rika (captain), Giles Smith, Makutu Seru, Metuisela Beitaki, Sekove Ravoka, Viliame Yabaki, Manase Ravula, Jikoi Kida Vanualevu, Riyad Khan, Jack Smith, Sowane Puamau, Viliame Mana, Sakiusa Dokosobau, Josaia Baleicikiobia, Tagilala Rakuita, Cakacaka Tikoisuva; Team officials – Shane Jurgensen (Head Coach), Saiasi Fuli (Tour Manager), Iniasi Cakacaka (Assistant Coach).
