Former Australian ODI cricketer to help with preparations for Asian Games and ACC U19 Women's Championship

Former Australian ODI cricketer, Ryan Campbell will be visiting Hong Kong in early August to assist National Coach Charlie Burke with squad preparations for the Asian Games and ACC Under-19 Women's Championships to be played later in the year.

Campbell is best known in international cricket for being the first player to use the 'scoop shot' but he is also remembered for his explosive batting at the top of the order.

Campbell retired from the game in 2006 after playing 98 first class games for Western Australia and 2 ODIs for Australia. His first class batting average of over 36 is considered outstanding for a top order wicketkeeper batsmen.

Campbell's career highlights include scoring 203 in a Sheffield Shield/Pura Milk Cup match against Queensland in 1999/2000 and hitting 108 off 85 balls in the Mercantile Mutual Cup one day final also against Queensland in the same season. He didn't get many opportunities to play for Australia due to another fine Western Australian player called Adam Gilchrist holding down the top spot at international level, thus depriving his team mate from playing more games in the yellow and gold.

After finishing his playing career in Australia, Campbell accepted a position with the Indian Cricket League (ICL) franchise Ahmedabad Rockets in 2008 and he smashed 92* off 51 balls against the Mumbai Champs to prove he still had it. And it's Campbell's knowledge and understanding of the T20 format that will be well used by the Hong Kong national team in the lead up to the Asian Games in November.

"I think it is great for Hong Kong's players and coaches to get someone like Cambo (Ryan Campbell) to assist in our match stratergy and skill work leading into such a big tournament. Ryan will have some sessions with our keepers and will also work with our batsmen on game scenarios," said National Coach Charlie Burke.

"Hong Kong Cricket has been fortunate over the past month having some guest coaches such as ex England Test cricketer Jack Richards, former World Cup winning Australian Women's Coach Barry Neivandt and two current premier league players from Australia in Hong Kong to assist and give advice to our players" added Burke.

Since his retirement from the game, thirty-eight year old Campbell has been busy working in the media industry with stints on both television and radio. His work included hosting the Indian Premier League telecast in Australia.

Related Link: Cricinfo Player Profile - Ryan Campbell