MAYNARD SOUNDS BATTLECRY FOR 2004 CATHAY PACIFIC/STANDARD CHARTERED HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CRICKET SIXES

Hong Kong, October 12: Matthew Maynard is relishing the prospect of returning to the SAR next month to lead an England side bidding to retain the Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes title.

"I feel that the tournament offers so much to cricket," said Maynard, who will be making his sixth appearance in the world's premier Sixes tournament at Kowloon Cricket Club on November 6-7.

"It's exciting, innovative . and appealing to the fans," added the prolific run-getter, a former Test player who led England to a famous victory against Pakistan in last year's showpiece Cup final.

Joining Maynard in the England line-up for the tournament that carries prize money of US$260,000 will be four other members of the triumphant 2003 squad - Kabir Ali, Darren Maddy, Glen Chapple and Robert Croft, voted the Player of the Final. David Graveney will return as manager.

The seven-strong squad, named as top seeds this year, will be completed by Graham Napier and Dimitri Mascarenhas, accomplished all-rounders with Essex and Hampshire respectively. "I think it will help to have the nucleus of last year's team as the guys know what to expect. Saying that, we also have a couple of new guys who I hope will make a big impression," said Maynard.

England have been drawn in Pool 1 where they will face Kenya, Sri Lanka and hosts Hong Kong on the opening day (November 6). Maynard is adamant that there will be no complacency on the part of his team.

"At this stage the draw doesn't really bother me. You have to win at least two of your group games and that is when the pressure starts," said Maynard, who is wary of the home team. "Hong Kong are a pretty dangerous side - especially if you underestimate them," warned 38-year-old Maynard, who also predicted that Pakistan, South Africa and Sri Lanka will be tough to beat.

Pakistan, four-time tournament winners, will be favourites to emerge unscathed in Pool 2, where they will take on arch-rivals India, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates.

The top two teams in each pool will progress to the Cup competition on the second day (November 7), while the bottom two in the pools will compete in the Plate category.

Before taking on the role of assistant coach to England's squad for the forthcoming tours of Namibia, Zimbabwe and South Africa, Maynard is looking forward to pitting his wits against rival captains in Hong Kong.

"I think each team will have its own different tactics depending on the make up of the side. I don't believe there is an advantage whether you bat or bowl first. But, as a rule, I would look to bat first, getting the runs on the board," said the Glamorgan stalwart, who made his Hong Kong Sixes debut in 1992.

Despite his status as a Sixes veteran, Maynard is hoping to experience something new on his latest visit to Hong Kong. The captain and wicket-keeper said: "It will be very interesting to play 5 x 8-ball overs in the final. I just hope we get there. Also I'm pretty pleased I'm not a bowler!"

Mike Walsh, chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association, said he was delighted that England were sending such a strong team. "It's a line-up with a tremendous amount of depth and experience and it will take a good team to beat them," he said.

'Early bird' two-day tickets for the 2004 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes are currently available. Prices have been set at HK$350 for adults and HK$200 for children under the age of 15. From October 16, the price will increase to HK$450 for adults.

The 2004 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes will take place at Kowloon Cricket Club, 10 Cox's Road, Kowloon on November 6-7. Early bird two-day passes cost HK$350 for adults and HK$200 for children under 15, and are on sale through Cityline at www.cityline.com as well as at the following outlets: Hong Kong Cricket Club (137 Wong Nai Chung Gap Road, Happy Valley, tel. 2574 6266); Kowloon Cricket Club (10 Cox's Road, Jordan, tel. 2367 4141); Dot Cod Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Prince's Building, Central tel. 2810 6988).