Hong Kong coach Simon Cook says his players are enjoying five-star cricket facilities at their training camp in Canterbury, England.

Given the wet season and comparatively limited number of practice facilities available in Hong Kong, Cook says the camp is vital ahead of their Intercontinental Cup match against Ireland starting next Tuesday.

“The facility is outstanding here at the Polo Farm Club,” Cook said.

“We have two new turf nets, indoor nets an entire field and a centre wicket for six hours a day.”

“Primarily the aim is to get as much time on turf having had restricted preparations in Hong Kong,”



One man who is made the most of his additional days in the UK is new captain Babar Hayat – who has been able to tune up for what is a rare long form fixture for Hong Kong.

“Babar (Hayat) has hit for four hours every day in a 1-to-1, which means he’s probably hit more balls in two days than in the entire month leading in.”

“That volume means we can start properly working on things with technique and getting him 100% ready to play”.

Also available for use is ‘Merlin’ – a purpose built spin bowling machine that can be set up to replicate particular bowlers. It was originally set up for England to replicate Shane Warne and Muttiah Muralidaran. But Hong Kong’s eyes are only on Ireland.

“We’ve used it mainly as a left arm around to imitate their spinner George Dockrell and we can use it for our guys to practice against international quality spin bowling which is hard to get in the nets.”

Cook said the camp will also serve for players to make a final push for selection in the playing 11.

“It’s the first time since I’ve been involved that we’ve been on tour with 14 players that are genuinely pushing for a spot in the starting side,” Cook said.

“In the past we’ve taken guys for development opportunities but now we can select from the whole 14 and pick according the conditions.”

Hong Kong’s four-day encounter against Ireland will be streamed live.<