South African squad announced
11 August 1997
New T&T/Cathay Pacific Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes Media Release

The South Africans will be represented by:

1. Adrian Kuiper (Captain)
2. Herschelle Gibbs
3. Bradley Player
4. Fanie de Villiers
5. Roger Telemachus
6. Derek Crookes
7. Dean Laing

Commented by Dr. Ali Bacher "South Africa have selected a team of proven Test stars and Sixes specialists. Four of these guys have already played in the Hong Kong Sixes and they know what is required of them to win the tournament. We're quietly con fident of bringing back the trophy we won in 1995!"

A number of truly world class players are represented in the South African squad. Kuiper aged 38 has a wealth of experience to call upon, playing in his 5th Hong Kong Sixes. As a member of the Championship winning side in 1995, he returns as captain for this year's event. The player made his first class debut for Western Province aged 18 in 1977/78. Progress was fast where in 1981/82 he was named cricketer of the year. An exciting batsman, he scored a century off only 49 balls in a one-day game again st the rebel England team led by Mike Gatting in 1989/90. The next season saw him appointed vice-captain of the South African team that reached the semi-finals of the World Cup in 1991/92 and in the same year, played in his country's inaugural Test again st West Indies after the international sporting ban was lifted. In 1993/94 season, he produced some thrilling performances most notably against Australia where he dispatched Craig McDermott for three sixes off the last three deliveries of a match.

Bradley Player an aggressive all-rounder aged 30 is to make his fourth tournament appearance this year. Having tasted the success in winning the tournament in 1995, this right handed hard-hitting batsman will relish the opportunity to return and demonstr ate this prowess. A product of Orange Free State, his lively medium-pace swing bowling is his main asset which has served him well in recent one day competitions in South Africa, despite a troublesome back injury.

Derek Crookes showed the crowd last year his fearsome batting. He was elated at winning the prize as the one who hit the most Sixes in the tournament winning himself the HK$6,666. Dean Laing a member of the winning team in 1995, returns this year full of determination to reclaim past successes. A gifted all rounder for Transvaal, the 27 year old has produced flashes of brilliance which he's determined to reproduce at the Sixes. The remainder of the team are blessed with all-round skills ideally suit ed for Sixes cricket making them definite contenders for the 1997 Hong Kong Sixes crown.

Organisers predict an eventful weekend of the finest cricketing action.

All ticket queries, please call the Sixes hotline number 2311 4000.