Courtney Kruger, who six months ago was in a hospital bed with the top of his skull sawn off, is set to return to the Hong Kong fold after he was chosen yesterday in an 18-strong squad named for the next qualifying leg for the 2011 World Cup.
Batsman Kruger is tipped to make the final 14 who will play in the ICC World Cricket League Division Three tournament in Darwin, Australia, from May 27-June 6. 'It is good to see him back in the squad,' said coach Robin Singh. 'He is batting well.'
Kruger was almost paralysed last September when an abscess in his sinus resulted in fluid draining into his brain cavity. The teenager had to undergo two major cranial operations before doctors declared he was out of danger.
If picked for Darwin - the final 14 will be announced on April 20 - it will be Kruger's first international tournament since the ACC Trophy in Kuala Lumpur last summer where Hong Kong finished runners-up and qualified for the ICC WCL Division Three event.
Singh, who is based in Chennai, India, was in town last week as Hong Kong played against the touring Air India team. Although Hong Kong lost both matches, Singh was impressed.
'The guys have improved, especially the batting. In the past we struggled to get past 200, but now are getting 250 comfortably. Guys like Courtney, Irfan Ahmed, Tim Smart, Nasir Hameed, Najeeb Amar all batted well. And our bowling has also come on exceptionally,' Singh said.