ENGLAND AIM FOR SIX-UP AT HONG KONG SIXES
 Hong Kong, October 4, 2010 – England, the most-successful team at the Hong Kong Sixes, will return with a squad who knows “which way the wind blows” to mount another title-assault at the Kowloon Cricket Club next month.
The five-time Cup champions will return with three players who were part of last year’s squad – captain Rory Hamilton-Brown, Darren Stevens and Peter Trego – and is supremely confident they can go all the way at The Karp Group/PC Jeweller Hong Kong Cricket Sixes on November 6-7.
“We have a core group of players who knows which way the wind blows in this tournament and I believe this experience will be key to a successful campaign,” said England manager James Whitaker.
Whitaker added: “The squad is made up of an exciting blend of experience and raw talent. We have a good mix of all-rounders, all of whom can do their bit which is crucial for this format of the game.”
Surrey captain Hamilton-Brown, 23, will lead the team packed with explosive batsmen. An off-spinner himself, Hamilton-brown can depend on a bowling attack largely made of accurate medium-pacers all of whom have been honed on the tough county circuit.
“While big-hitting is important, I think our bowling will be a strong point,” said Whitaker. “We have four fast and medium-fast bowlers, while Rory and Chris (Nash) can chip in with their off-spinners.”
The only member of the team who doesn’t bowl is Jos Butler. The England Under-19 representative, who had a superb debut-season for Somerset this year, will be given the gloves.
England’s last taste of triumph came two years ago when a Dimitri Mascarenhas-led team defeated Australia in a thrilling Cup final. Both teams were tied at the end, but England nosed ahead having lost fewer wickets.
“I believe we have been the most successful team at the Hong Kong Sixes and our aim will be to improve on this record,” Whitaker added.
England is pooled in the preliminary round of the US$150,000 tournament with Australia, South Africa and Hong Kong in the Bradman group. The Sobers group comprises India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and New Zealand.
China will also make a debut appearance at the tournament, when its Asian Games-bound squad plays an exhibition game against a Hong Kong development team on the Sunday of the event.
ENGLAND
- Rory Hamilton-Brown (Surrey), Captain
- Darren Stevens (Kent)
- Chris Nash (Sussex)
- Steven Croft (Lancashire)
- Peter Trego (Somerset)
- Jos Butler (Somerset)
- Rikki Clarke (Warwickshire)
- James Whitaker (Manager)
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