The Pacific Island nation of Vanuatu is renowned for its idyllic scenery and natural beauty, but in the world of international cricket, it is a developing country.
The 27-year-old vice-captain of Vanuatu’s cricket team, Jonathon Dunn, lives in Newcastle, New South Wales, for much of the year.
He and the Ni-Vanuatu cricket team have just returned from an ICC tournament in the northern hemisphere.
“Vanuatu for me and my family is certainly home,” Mr Dunn said.
“[I was] born there, spoke the Vanuatu language before English.
“[I started off cricket] in Vanuatu like anyone does I suppose: in the backyard and then through Kanga cricket-equivalent programs with the plastic bat and ball.”
Mr Dunn debuted for Vanuatu about a decade ago as a batsman.
“No-one would doubt the difference in the standard [between Vanuatu and Australia] at the moment,” he said.
“Certainly something that I and the Vanuatu Cricket Association is striving for [is] to improve the cricket in Vanuatu.
“That’s something I’m pretty proud to be part of.”
Optimism about growing cricket
Mr Dunn said the process of growing cricket in Vanuatu had its challenges, but hopes were high for success.
“It doesn’t really differ outside the Test nations to be honest — anyone that has the opportunity to play more regularly is only going to get better,” he said.
“So more regular, competitive cricket and playing in that pressure environment together will certainly help us, as well as the hybrid pitch and facilities in Vanuatu improving.
“The ability to spend more time together and play tough cricket will certainly help.”
Further support for ‘minnow’ nations needed
Mr Dunn hopes larger cricketing nations such as Australia, India and England will continue to boost their support of developing countries.
“Cricket Australia is certainly a big supporter, and they do that off their own bat, so that’s something that Vanuatu certainly appreciates,” Mr Dunn said.
“Like every other associate and affiliate nation of world cricket [receiving] increased funding, that there is undoubtedly a pool of, can only provide greater exposure and opportunities for cricket.
“For it truly to become a world game, I think that’s what does need to happen.”