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https://scmp.com/sport/article/2022677/sydney-bash-hong-kong-t20-cricketers-face-sixers-and-thunder-during-australia
Sport

Sydney Bash – Hong Kong T20 cricketers to face Sixers and Thunder during Australia tour

They will take on top Big Bash League teams in the rural, coastal city of Coffs Harbour as they prepare for Netherlands’ visit next year

The Hong Kong T20 squad will face Sydney Sixers in Coffs Harbour. Photo: AFP

Hong Kong cricketers have a chance to beef up their T20 skills against world-class opposition ahead of a home series against the Netherlands when they take on Australia’s inaugural Big Bash League champions Sydney Sixers in December.

The 10-day tour to New South Wales will also feature a clash against another BBL team, Sydney Thunder, and also includes a cricket clinic given by the Sixers players, who will be passing on their knowledge to the local community.

Australia’s only experience of Hong Kong cricket was last year when local Chinese player Ming Li took part in the BBL for the Sixers as a guest player as part of the league’s regional development programme.

WATCH: Sydney Sixers in action in the Big Bash League

“To play in the country, and experience country life in New South Wales is a great opportunity for the guys and will be a great character-building experience,” said Hong Kong Cricket Association chief executive Tim Cutler.

“Australia only probably got a taste of what Hong Kong has to offer with Ming Li being the Sixers’ community rookie last year. So this is another great chance for Australians, especially country Australians, to see what talent there is in Hong Kong.”

The match against the Sixers is scheduled for December 16 at C.ex Coffs International Stadium in Coffs Harbour in northern New South Wales. Coffs Harbour is a rural area, well-known for its beaches, countryside attractions and backpackers. Hollywood actor Russell Crowe owns a farm near the area.

The match takes place just four days before the Sixers kick off their KFC T20 Big Bash League campaign and provides the home players a chance to claim places in the squad.

“The guys are fortunate enough to be heading to Coffs Harbour which will be four days before our first BBL match,” said Sixers and Australian spinner Steve O’Keefe.

WATCH: Steve O’Keefe in action for the Sydney Sixers

“It’s vitally important that we hit the ground running and we’re at top speed at that time of year, but not only that it’s important that we get out there and showcase our skills to the local people of Coffs Harbour.”

We are thrilled to welcome the Sydney Sixers and international guests, the Hong Kong National team, to the beautiful Coffs Coast Coffs Harbour mayor, Denise Knight

Sixers General Manager Dominic Remond confirmed the Club’s commitment to the area.

“It is a great opportunity for our fans to experience Big Bash in their home area and interact with our players during the pre-game clinic. It is an added bonus that our friends from The Hong Kong Cricket Association are sending their national team to play.

Coffs Harbour Mayor, Councillor Denise Knight, said the match reinforced Coffs Harbour’s relationship with Cricket NSW.

“We are thrilled to welcome the Sydney Sixers and international guests, the Hong Kong national team, to the beautiful Coffs Coast,” said Councillor Knight.

“This will be our third cricket match of the year and we are very excited to welcome the excitement of T20 to our region.

“This announcement comes as a result of Council’s ongoing partnership with Cricket NSW. It further supports C.ex Coffs International Stadium’s position as a premier regional destination for elite level sports.”