Clarke in Hong Kong Sixes Squad

• 08/10/2010
• First XI

Warwickshire’s Rikki Clarke is named in the England squad for the Hong Kong sixes, which takes place on the weekend of November 6th and 7th.

Clarke is rewarded for a consistent 2010 season and will pull on an England shirt for the first time since his last appearance for his country in an ODI against Pakistan in 2006.

England have also included Somerset youngster Jos Buttler in their squad as they look to regain the Hong Kong Sixes next month.

The 19-year-old, whose swashbuckling style saw him gain plaudits from all corners last season, joins 2009 competitors Rory Hamilton-Brown, Darren Stevens and Peter Trego. The squad for the competition is rounded off by Clarke, Steven Croft and Chris Nash.

Surrey skipper Hamilton-Brown will lead England, who are the most successful team in the competition's history.

Manager James Whitaker is confident his team can repeat England's 2008 victory, rather than last year's three round-robin defeats, insisting they have all bases covered: “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 Whitaker.

Darren Stevens will be hoping to draw on his experience of last year's tournament and help England to repeat their 2008 win: “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.

“While big-hitting is important, I think our bowling will be a strong point. We have four fast and medium-fast bowlers, while Rory and Chris can chip in with their off-spinners. I believe we have been the most successful team at the Hong Kong Sixes and our aim will be to improve on this record.”

England are 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 match against a Hong Kong development team.

The full squad is:
Rory Hamilton-Brown (Surrey, captain)
Jos Buttler (Somerset, wicketkeeper)
Rikki Clarke (Warwickshire)
Steven Croft (Lancashire)
Chris Nash (Sussex)
Darren Stevens (Kent)
Peter Trego (Somerset)
Manager: James Whitaker, ECB national selector

Main article taken from www.ecb.co.uk

Picture courtesy of Getty Images