Fielding the key for HK against Test sides

Hong Kong will have to put more effort into their fielding if they are to make an impression against Test nations Pakistan and Bangladesh in the Asia Cup and at the all-important ACC Trophy this summer.

Asian Cricket Council development officer Rumesh Ratnayake, a spectator at last Sunday's Knockout Cup final between KCC Hornets and Pakistan Association, said the standard of fielding was pretty low. He expects new coach Roshan Mahanama, ex-Sri Lanka Test opener, to concentrate on this when he takes over next month. 'I was a bit disappointed after watching the fielding. Knowing Roshan [Mahanama], he'll place a lot of emphasis on fielding and the Hong Kong lads can expect a tough time on the field. They will have to pull their socks up,' said Ratnayake.

While KCC's fielding mustered a pass mark, Pakistan Association were shoddy, dropping eight catches which included two let-offs for top-scorer Rahul Sharma. Those dropped catches ultimately cost Pakistan Association who were convincingly beaten to allow KCC to clinch the double this season.

'Roshan was one of the best fielders in the Sri Lankan team and I'm sure he will take Hong Kong's fielding up to the next level. Hong Kong will have to be sharp in the fielding department if they are to be competitive in the Asia Cup and the ACC Trophy,' said Ratnayake.

Ratnayake, who played Test cricket for Sri Lanka as a fast bowler, has been in town for the past week training with the preliminary squad as Hong Kong prepare for their biggest dates internationally - the Asia Cup in July and the ACC Trophy, a 2007 World Cup qualifying event, earlier in June.

The Hong Kong Cricket Association decided national coach Lal Jayasinghe would need help and approached Ratnayake for assistance in finding a coach. Ratnayake had no hesitation in recommending Mahanama, a member of Sri Lanka's World Cup winning side in 1996. 'He has plenty of experience in the one-day game. Having been a recent international and also having coached the Sri Lanka A team, I feel Roshan will be the ideal person to guide Hong Kong in the next few months. With the Asia Cup being played in Sri Lanka, Roshan will know how to make use of the conditions in Colombo. I'm sure he'll have a significant impact on the Hong Kong squad.'