New Delhi, Aug 12 (IANS) Former Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques is set to begin a new chapter in his international career after being named captain of Portugal for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Sub-Regional Qualifier C in Finland.
Henriques, having represented Australia 44 times in the three formats and with his last international match being in 2021, will take charge of his new country as Portugal start their campaign to qualify for the 2028 Men’s T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
This 39-year-old retired from first-class cricket in Australia at the beginning of this year and is entitled to play for Portugal since he was born in the country. He had previously been captain of the Australia team at the 2006 ICC Men’s Under-19 Cricket World Cup.
The tournament in Finland has 10 teams taking part, and the team that wins will go on to the regional final as part of the qualification route for the 2028 T20 World Cup.
Portugal are in Group B with the Czech Republic, Germany, Greece and Israel; the side that ends up top of the group will play the highest-placed team from Group A in order to gain a spot in the next round.
Group A consists of Finland, Bulgaria, the Isle of Man, Luxembourg and Spain.
For Henriques, this appointment represents a major change since he had played at the top level for Australia. He made his international debut in 2009 and then took part in Tests, ODIs and T20Is before making his last appearance for the country in 2021.
Since he has now qualified to represent Portugal, Henriques will manage a team that is aiming to make progress in the European qualification process and thus take one step towards securing a spot at the 2028 T20 World Cup.
–IANS
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