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SCMP Reporter

Hong Kong Cricket Association chairman Mike Walsh was an interested spectator at the Asia Cup in Colombo, Sri Lanka last week. Walsh, who says he is over 21, might have aged a few more years after watching the SAR lose both games to Pakistan and Bangladesh.

You witnessed history in the making. What were your impressions?

It was a great opportunity for Hong Kong. We now know that the only way we can improve is to play against better players and the ultimate aim has got to be to be able to compete against them.

What are the positives we can take from this exposure?

Don't forget we were up against world-class players. But we kept our shape and looked competitive in the field, and we bowled well.

What did Hong Kong lack?

Batting. This was the big difference. We need to find some class batting soon.

Do you think there will be changes to the current team?

Time doesn't stand still and no one gets younger. We will have to open the door to our younger players with an eye on qualifying for the 2009 ICC Trophy.

So does this mean wholesale changes?

We are in a Catch-22 situation. While it is essential to look to the future, our funding from the government is entirely result-oriented and we need experience for that. We need to strike a balance between youth and experience.

Will Rahul Sharma continue as captain?

Rahul is 40-plus and can't go on forever. We will address the issue but there is no rush.

And will Robin Singh continue as coach?

We will maintain contact with him. We hope to send some of our senior players to his academy in Chennai for training.

And your best memory of Sri Lanka?

It was my first visit and it won't be my last. It is a charming place with charming people. I will always remember discussing tactics with Robin and others on the verandah bar at the Galle Face Hotel with the sound of the Indian Ocean lapping at our feet.



2 MINUTES WITH... Mike Walsh