SPEED thrills . . . and Hong Kong selectors are also hoping that it will kill off the opposition at the 1994 International Cricket Council Trophy's mini-World Cup in Kenya from February 12 to March 6.
A 16-member squad, peppered with pacemen, was named last night. It was a conscious decision, as selectors remembered the Netherlands, when Hong Kong failed to qualify and fared poorly with a side laden with four spinners.
''No doubt about it. This is a different side with more depth and greater strength,'' said chairman of selectors, Rod Eddington.
And where does the strength mainly lie? ''In our medium pacers. Unlike 1990, we are this time relying on our fast men,'' he added.
Paul Cresswell, Leigh Beaman, Riaz Farcy, Tim Davies, David Cross, Glyn Davies, Justin Strachan and Ross Greer - half the side - are all players who can bowl fast or medium fast.
The slow bowler tag will be worn by Templars veteran Yarman Vaccha. The right-arm, off-spinner is one of three players surviving from the 1990 squad - the others being Infidels pair Glyn Davies and Ray Brewster.
Eddington also pointed out that Hong Kong were fortunate to have more players eligible this time around.