Chinese cricketers sample Australian experience

Three players from China's national team are spending six weeks in New South Wales, Australia as part of the Cricket NSW Mosaic Programs "International Cricket Exchange".

Zhang Peng, Zhao Gaosheng (both from Shanghai) and Wang Jing from Taizhou are the latest players to profit from a scheme designed to offer mutually beneficial activities with ICC Affiliate and Associate nations. The trio were welcomed to Australia by the Minister for Citizenship and Communities the Hon. Victor Dominelo MP and the Minister for Sport and Recreation the Hon. Graham Annesley MP at the NSW Parliament.
Cricket NSW Emerging Markets Leader and Exchange coordinator, Sam Almaliki said: "Cricket NSW is very proud to initiate this exchange, with consideration to the immeasurable results the program will generate for cricket at home and abroad." A further three Chinese cricketers, from the women's team, will be in Sydney over the course of the Australian summer and enjoy training and playing opportunities with Grade and Shires clubs. While in Australia the players will also be involved in Cricket NSW community engagement activities.

Asian Cricket Council Chief Executive Syed Ashraful Huq added: "There's no doubt this is a terrific opportunity for these young Chinese men and women. They're going to learn tough, competitive cricket and the rewards will be seen on the field when they play for China and their own teams back home. They're not just fine cricketers, they're fine ambassadors for China and cricketing values. We know there's an 'Australian way' which leads to cricketing success, I hope that we will soon hear of a 'Chinese way' too and thanks to this enterprising initiative by New South Wales, with the financial support of Samuel Yang & Company, facilitated by Brian Freedman and Ross Turner, China's success becomes increasingly more likely."