October 26 Saturday 2002
Klusener heads all-star challenge

HONG KONG: Big-hitting cricket all-rounder Lance Klusener will lead the South African challenge at this year's Hong Kong Sixes.

The burly South African, who goes by nickname 'Zulu', headlines the eight- team event that also sees return of last year's Player of the Tournament Wasim Akram. England will be captained by Mathew Maynard and include Adam Hollioake and Ronnie Irani while India comprise regulars like Robin Singh and Rohan Gavaskar.

Australian team will include former test players Craig McDermott and Colin Miller, while United Arab Emirates will be boosted by inclusion of expatriate players Asim Saeed and Khurram Khan.

Despite loss of the mercurial Jonty Rhodes, who remains in South Africa to compete in home series against Bangladesh, South Africans will be strengthened by presence of Klusener. His class is still evident, with him being selected in South African squad to meet Sri Lanka early next month.

"We have been assured by South African Cricket Board he will play here," said Mike Walsh, Hong Kong Cricket Association chairman. "Most of the boards have complied with what we wanted. We have got some of best young and up-and-coming players this time. It will be very competitive." Hong Kong captain Rahul Sharma agreed.

"But every year we have always managed to beat one of the top three sides and we are looking at doing it again. Our advantage is that we are playing at home. And everyone in the squad has played Sixes before," said Sharma. Last year, Hong Kong defeated Sri Lanka in a group match and then beat United Arab Emirates in Plate semi-finals - before losing to India in final. Meanwhile, organisers said extra security measures would be in place this year.