Cricket Hong Kong hand ex-Sri Lanka and Kent coach Willis reins of men’s team, with ODI status still in their sights
- Simon Willis will join the squad ahead of next week’s T20i tournament against Malaysia, Bahrain and Kuwait
- Hong Kong have recalled former skipper Anshuman Rath after his failed attempt to get into the India side
Cricket Hong Kong have named former Sri Lanka high performance manager Simon Willis as their new head coach for the men’s team.
Willis, who played professionally for Kent and helped bring through a slew of England stars, men and women, when working at the county’s cricket academy, will link up with the squad ahead of next week’s T20i tournament.
The 48-year-old will take charge of much-changed group from the one that struggled last year, with ex-captain Anshuman Rath returning after coming up short in his attempt to get into the India set-up.
Also back in the 14-man squad are Raag Kapur and Nasrulla Rana who have been overseas working on their games, although young fast bowler Ayush Shukla is conspicuous by his absence. Nizakat Khan will once again captain the side.
Willis is expected to meet the players on Sunday, with the quadrangular tournament also featuring Malaysia, Bahrain and Kuwait starting next Wednesday at the Tin Kwong Road Recreation Ground.
The team will then play a series of 50 over matches the following week as part of the preparations for the ACC Premier Cup in Nepal at the end of April.