Transcript
ASSAD VALA: Being around them all the time, asking questions which is really good. They helped me a lot with my game and on how I can improve. Really good ideas they gave so I am pretty happy with the experience I had in Hong Kong.
VINNIE WYLIE: Was there anything you just noticed playing alongside players of that calibre that you thought oh that's not bad, I'll try that. Anything you just picked up, that stood out for you, around what players like that do on a cricket field?
AV: They had a lot of time. They knew what to do, all their routines, they just followed them and the rest just fell in place and complemented with the preparations themselves. Just watching them how they prepare, what they do to perform in a game and it was [good] watching those big boys do what they do.
VW: You played for the Galaxy Gladiators, how did that opportunity come up? Of course you are the first Papua New Guinea player to play in a professional competition.
AV: I came up while we were in Hong Kong, a series last year against them, late November I think. I got a call from Charlie if I was interested and I said yes. So that is when I got the opportunity to go and play in Hong Kong.
VW: Assad you managed a few wickets, you were quite useful with the ball, you possibly didn't score as many runs as you would hope, but how did you feel about your own performance?
AV: I probably bowled better than I batted but you know I was happy with the way I performed because it was the first time playing in a professional competition and I was really happy how I did against some good players.
VW: And does that give you confidence having performed against players of that calibre and when you go back to play for the Barramundis and if you have another opportunity like this in future, that you could do that again and possibly improve?
AV: Oh definitely. I was probably all warm with people around me and with the experience I have got I would probably be in a better place next time it comes that I get to play in another competition like that.
VW: And you are the current captain of the Papua New Guinea men's team, did you feel like an ambassador for Papua New Guinea cricket? Did people ask you about the Barramundis and what you have been up to?
AV: They asked the question about what we have been up to, what we are doing, it is really good those international stars been asking questions about what the different countries are doing which is really good as well.
VW: Are there some team mates in your PNG Barramundis team that you think would be capable of making the same step up and being involved there, that you think would do well at a competition like that?
AV: Definitely. We have got a lot of good players, a lot of good quality cricketers here. Under the coaching of Dipak Patel and even the coaches here, they can see themselves on the big stage.
