If you’re talking about the Philippines, what do you think of?
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Pristine white-sand beaches, incredible food, Manny Pacquiao and George Foreman and Muhammed Ali’s Thrilla in Manila – for the most part.
But cricket? No chance.
But, as it turns out, cricket isn’t just a thing in the Philippines, it’s a big thing.
It’s also a big thing Cavaliers’ tweaker Evan McCall is now officially a part of after being named the Philippines’ assistant coach for its International Cricket Council (ICC) World Cricket League (WCL) qualifying campaign at Bendigo next month.
Originally he was set to be a member of the support staff, before the assistant coach position became available at late notice.
“They asked me if I’d like to do the job and when an opportunity like this comes up, you don’t say no,” McCall enthused.
“I’m sure normally it would be a far more in-depth role, but I don’t know the players or how they go about their cricket so I’ll mainly be looking after warm-ups and making sure they’re switched on before and during games more than anything.
“It’s a pretty exciting opportunity, I can’t wait to get down there.
“The Philippines is a building cricket nation and these tournaments are a part of that. Most people wouldn’t think of it as a cricketing nation, but there’s over [10,000] junior cricketers in the Philippines and they have [more than 20] sides in their club competition.
When an opportunity like this comes up, you don’t say no.
- Philippines assistant coach Evan McCall
“So much of it is just about promoting these smaller cricketing nations, and I think the Philippines are working towards bridging the gap between their juniors and the senior side.
“I’m excited to be a part of that and, as well, watching these guys play. They play for the love of the game, there’s no money in it, they’re all amateurs so I’m looking forward to seeing how passionate they are.”
McCall said his Philippines unit is set to take on the likes of Samoa, Fiji and Vanuatu at Bendigo – from February 19-25 – in its bid to be promoted into the higher divisions of the WCL.
“It’s not a bad side really, either,” McCall said.
“They only play on synthetic wickets in the Philippines so they’ll have to adapt to turf, mostly, but the side has a NSW Premier Cricket first grader in Daniel Smith, who bowls quick, and a second grader from Melbourne too.”
McCall won’t just be helping the Filipino national side either. He’s also sent the call-out to Orange District Cricket Association’s clubs and players to donate any and all old gear they may have.
He also explained anyone around the Western Zone with Filipino heritage should consider contacting the Philippines Cricket Association via Facebook.
“The minimum wage is so low over there, they do struggle with access to proper equipment so I’d love to be able to source some and give it to the guys to take back with them,” McCall said.
Anyone with gear to donate can contact McCall through Cavaliers Cricket Club.