McGrath joins Warne in Sixes

Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne will play in the Hong Kong Sixes

Glenn McGrath will join former Australia team-mate Shane Warne in an All-Star team for the Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.

Recently retired New Zealand star Craig McMillan has also been named in the All-Star line-up which also includes West Indies legend Brian Lara and former Zimbabwe captain Heath Streak.

It is the first time an All-Star side will compete in the tournament since its inception in 1992.

Kowloon Cricket Club will stage the event on October 27-28 with defending champions South Africa competing against Australia, New Zealand Kiwis, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, England and Hong Kong.

The news of the addition of McGrath and McMillan comes after India batsman Virender Sehwag was forced to withdraw. He was chosen by the national selectors to captain India Blue at the Challenger Trophy in Ahmedabad.

McGrath, who played at the Sixes in 1995, said: “Although it was a few years back, I remember my last visit to the Sixes being a great time.

"There was a real buzz around Hong Kong and this year, with the tickets already sold out a couple of weeks in advance, the atmosphere should be electric.

“We were unable to get to the Sixes final the last time I was here, so I am really looking forward to teaming up with Shane, Brian, Craig and all the other guys on the All-Star Team.

"It should be great fun for the fans as well, whether they are coming down to the ground or watching on the big screens at the parties around town.”

McMillan, who also took part at the 1995 Sixes, added: “After having such a great run at the World Twenty20 last month, I am really looking forward to once again trying out an even more exciting version of the game at this year’s Cathay Pacific/Standard Chartered Hong Kong Cricket Sixes.

“I remember a lot of great things about the tournament and also the small boundaries at the Kowloon Cricket Club.

"I am in good form after the Twenty20, so I am looking forward to having some fun and hitting some sixes for the fans. With a sell-out crowd and the great names we have on the All-Star Team, it will be a fantastic weekend.”