New Zealand batsmen Ross Taylor will join the Papua New Guinea cricket squad as a consultant coach on their tour of the United Arab Emirates.
The 33 year-old Taylor has played 81 tests and 183 one day internationals for the Black Caps.
He suffered a calf tear earlier this month against South Africa and will join the Barramundis at the end of that test series for one week, as part of a joint project between the ICC East Asia Pacific, New Zealand Cricket and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association.
Ross Taylor Photo: PhotoSport
Cricket PNG's Chief Executive Officer Greg Campbell said they were excited to have Taylor as part of the coaching group, headed by former New Zealand international and current Barramundis head coach, Dipak Patel.
"Champion New Zealand batsmen, Ross Taylor will be joining the HEBOU PNG Barramundis has a consultant coach in the UAE for about a week," said Campbell.
"This has been a joint project between the ICC EAP, New Zealand Cricket and the New Zealand Cricket Players Association and we would like to thank all parties for their support in making this possible.
"We are very privileged to get the Ross on board and I am sure that the coaching staff and players who are currently in the UAE are looking forward to working with Ross," said Campbell."
PNG Barramundis coach Dipak Patel. Photo: Cricket PNG
ICC East Asia Pacific Development Manager, Kieran McMillan was also excited at the announcement.
"The ICC is excited to facilitate a connection between PNG and one of the world's best batsmen, Ross Taylor," he said.
"We hope that his involvement in the current PNG tour of the UAE is the start of a long-term mentoring relationship between Ross and the PNG team.
"Ross has a tonne of experience at the highest levels of cricket which will be invaluable to PNG as it aims to continue its rise through the world rankings."
The Barramundis flew into Dubai at the weekend, where they will play three warm-up matches against English county sides before taking on hosts, UAE in three One Day Internationals, an Inter-Continental Cup four-day match and three Twenty20 Internationals.
Ross Taylor is helped from the field after suffering a calf injury. Photo: Photosport