Klusener heads all-star challenge

Big-hitting all-rounder Lance Klusener will lead the South African challenge at this year's Hong Kong Sixes. The burly South African, who goes by the nickname 'Zulu', headlines the eightteam event that also sees the return of last year's Player of the Tournament Wasim Akram.

England will be captained by Mathew Maynard and will include Adam Hollioake and Ronnie Irani while India will comprise of regulars like Robin Singh and Rohan Gavaskar. The Australian team will include former test players Craig McDermott and Colin Miller, while the United Arab Emirates will be boosted by the inclusion of expatriate players Asim Saeed and Khuram Khan.

Despite the loss of the mercurial Jonty Rhodes, who remains in South Africa to compete in the home series againt Bangladesh, the South Africans will be strengthened by the presence of Klusener. Klusener's class is still evident, with him being selected in the South African squad to meet Sri Lanka early next month.

"We have been assured by the South African Cricket Board that he will play here," said Mike Walsh, Hong Kong Cricket Association chairman. "Most of the boards have complied with what we wanted. We have got some of the best young and up-and-coming players this time. It will be very competitive."

Hong Kong captain Rahul Sharma agreed. "But every year we have always managed to beat one of the top three sides and we are looking at doing it again. Our advantage is that we are playing at home. And everyone in the squad has played Sixes before," said Sharma.

Last year, Hong Kong defeated Sri Lanka in a group match and then beat the United Arab Emirates in the Plate semi-finals - before losing to India in the final.

Meanwhile, organisers said extra security measures would be in place this year. "In light of what has been happening around the world, we have genuine security concerns. We will be checking all bags at the gate and the public will be asked to comply," said tournament director Clive Howard.