\n<\/p>\n
Greece’s decision to tap into their sizeable Australian diaspora – in excess of 400,000 people in the country have Greek ancestry – will inevitably draw some comparisons with Italy.<\/p>\n
The Azzurri participated in their maiden T20 World Cup earlier this year having come through sub-regional qualifying. <\/p>\n
None of Italy’s squad at that tournament were born in the country, and they picked five Aussie-Italians including two sets of brothers – the Manentis and Moscas.<\/p>\n
Senior figures involved with the Greek federation, though, have told BBC Sport they will exercise a degree of caution over the ongoing integration of Australian players with Greek heritage such as Konstas.<\/p>\n
Greece’s cricket scene is largely centred around the island of Corfu, where the sport has been played for more than two centuries and developing homegrown talent with a pathway to the national team is seen as a major priority.<\/p>\n
Around two-thirds of their squad, overseen by coach Tim Dellor, for the European qualifier in Finland, were born in Greece.<\/p>\n
Their party also includes a couple of UK-based players in Dimitrios Triandafillithis and Christodoulos Bogdanos, who both play club cricket in Yorkshire.<\/p>\n
Greece’s attempts to get past the first qualification hurdle for the T20 World Cup will not be straightforward, having been drawn in a group with favourites Germany.<\/p>\n
Also in their pool are Portugal, who are set to be bolstered by the presence of veteran former Australia all-rounder Moises Henriques, who was born in Madeira. <\/p>\n
BBC Sport understands Portugal may also be able to call upon opening batter Ricardo Vasconcelos, depending on his commitments with Northamptonshire.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n