WEST INDIES RETURN TO CATHAY PACIFIC/STANDARD CHARTERED HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL CRICKET SIXES

Narsingh Deonarine joins the West Indies squad at the Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes © Digicel

Hong Kong, October 11: West Indies will be aiming to invoke the spirit of 1996 when they make a welcome return to the Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes this month.

It was nine years ago that the West Indies, having arrived in Hong Kong just nine hours before their opening match, defied the odds to become Cup champions, defeating India in the final.

Unsuccessful in their title defence a year later, the West Indians have been conspicuous by their absence in the last four editions of the world's premier Sixes event that carries prize-money of US$280,000.

But boasting a squad that includes five players with international experience, the class of 2005 are confident they can mount a challenge for the US$100,000 first prize at the Kowloon Cricket Club on October 22-23.

Clive Howard, Chairman of the Hong Kong Cricket Association (HKCA), said: "It's exciting news for the tournament that the West Indies will grace the Kowloon Cricket Club with their presence in this year's Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes.

"Among the West Indies greats who have played in the Sixes are Viv Richards, Brian Lara, Richie Richardson, Courtney Walsh and Carl Hooper. I'm sure the 2005 team will acquit themselves well and provide some wonderful entertainment with their attacking approach. The Windies are always a dangerous side and they may well cause some upsets."

West Indies have been drawn in Pool 2 in which they will face India and Pakistan on the first day. Their final pool match against South Africa is scheduled for the second morning (October 23).

Spearheading the West Indian challenge will be Leeward Islands' captain Sylvester Joseph, dashing batsman Runako Morton, also from Leeward Islands, and talented left-hander Narsingh Deonarine, all of whom have Test caps to their name.

They will be joined by all-rounder Darren Sammy, who made his one-day international debut last year, and is bidding to become the first player from St Lucia to play Test cricket, and left-arm swing bowler Deighton Butler, who impressed against Sri Lanka when gaining his first one-day international appearance.

Completing the squad is Trinidad & Tobago's fast bowling all-rounder Richard Kelly and Lendl Simmons, nephew of former West Indies batsman Phil Simmons, who toured Sri Lanka last year with the West Indies under-19 team and as an A Team player this year.

While West Indies are locked in battle in Pool 2, defending champions England, Sri Lanka, last year's beaten finalists, hosts Hong Kong, winners of the Plate competition in 2004, and Australia are together in Pool 1.

The all-action short form version of the game has been thrilling the SAR crowds since its inception in 1992 and HKCA officials are confident that this year will be the best yet.

Two-day tickets for the 2005 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes are selling fast. They are currently on sale at HK$300 for adults and HK$150 for children aged 15 and under.

Games are played in five-over innings, with each team member, other than the wicketkeeper, bowling one over. The eight competing teams are split into two groups of four and will play each other on a round-robin basis on day one.

The top two teams in each pool will progress to the Cup competition knockout stages, while the bottom two teams in each of the pools will compete for the Plate.

WEST INDIES SQUAD: Deighton Butler, Narsingh Deonarine, Sylvester Joseph, Richard Kelly, Runako Morton, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons.

The 2005 Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes will take place at Kowloon Cricket Club, 10 Cox's Road, Kowloon on October 22-23. Two-day passes cost HK$300 for adults and HK$150 for children aged 15 and under, 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, 2574 6266); Kowloon Cricket Club (10 Cox's Road, Jordan, 2367 4141); Dot Cod Seafood Restaurant & Oyster Bar (Prince's Building, Central 2810 6988).

Provided by the Hong Kong Cricket Association. For further information, please contact Dave Poon or Danny Lai at (852) 2504-8101.