Four cricket pitches, 500 players: exciting times for Hong Kong, says batting coach Ryan Campbell
Former Australian international says the next generation of players in the city will provide a boost to the national squad
Hong Kong’s former Australian international Ryan Campbell has a message for those questioning the team’s performance at the ICC World Twenty20 in India – just you wait.
Campbell, the team’s batting coach and opener, has featured in two losses in group B – to Zimbabwe and Afghanistan – with his side looking distinctly second best in both matches in their failed attempt to reach the second round.
However, Campbell said after their six-wicket loss to Afghanistan that Hong Kong’s mere presence in the tournament is a significant achievement and with a healthy development programme, they will only become stronger.
Whatever anyone says about Hong Kong cricket, the fact is we have four cricket grounds, around 500 players and 600-700 kids starting to play now
“We know where we’re at, we are a very young squad, hence why I’m here,” said the 44-year-old Campbell, who was roped in to boost the squad a few weeks ago. “When you have a young squad, one day you will be outstanding and the next day maybe not so good.
“[But] whatever anyone says about Hong Kong cricket, the fact is we have four cricket grounds, around 500 players and 600-700 kids starting to play now. The numbers are going through the roof but four grounds is making it tough.
“We have an exciting group and if you guys [reporters] can see the 14, 15 and 16 year olds of the next generation that are coming, throw them into the batch with guys like Mark Chapman, who is suddenly 30, Jamie Atkinson and Anshuman Rath ... it’s exciting times.”
Campbell, a former Australian one-day international player, said it was his role, and that of the coaching team, to bring consistency to the Hong Kong side, who face Scotland in their final group B match on Saturday.