Some of PNG's cricketers with Kumar Sangakkara and Muttiah Muralitharan © Cricket PNG

Some of Papua New Guinea, Japan and Fiji’s most promising cricketers have had the chance to rub shoulders with the likes of Muttiah Muralitharan and Kumar Sangakkara at a training camp in Brisbane.

The cricketers were taking part in the ICC’s East Asia Pacific High Performance Squad camp at the Cricket Australia Centre of Excellence, the same facilities being used by Sri Lanka’s one-day squad as they prepare for their upcoming series against Australia.

“Murali and I both bowl offspinners so the opportunity to watch this absolute legend in the nets was amazing,” said Barramundi bowler Jason Kila. “He was constantly harassing and attacking the batsman. He plays with absolute confidence.”

“Getting the opportunity to train with world class facilities and world class coaches is exceptionally important for all of our boys,” added Peter Moide, PNG’s fitness coach.

“All of our players are facing a big six months of cricket, whether that be on Brian Bell Scholarship in Australia, heading to World Cricket League Division Three as a Barramundi, or beginning World Cup Qualification as an Under-19 Garramut and this camp will hold them in good stead.”