Phil DeFreitas © Getty Images

The Hong Kong Cricket Club has announced that former England international Test and ODI cricketer Phil DeFreitas, will join the HKCC as the Cricket Coach for the 2005-06 season. The 39 year-old will take up his position on 10th October, replacing Ryan Eagleson, who has returned to Ireland.

Speaking about his appointment, DeFreitas said "I am very much looking forward to this wonderful opportunity of working with the Hong Kong Cricket Club. With all the experience and knowledge I have gained during my career in cricket, I feel I have a lot to offer the Club."

Phil DeFreitas played 44 Tests (scoring 934 runs and claiming 140 wickets) and 103 One-Day Internationals (scoring 690 runs and claiming 115 wickets) and enjoyed an illustrious first class career with Leicestershire (1985-1988 and 2000-2005), Lancashire (1989-1993), Derbyshire (1994-1999) and Boland in South Africa (1993-94 and 1994-95).

He was also a past master at the Sixes game, helping England to win the Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes title in 1993, winning the Player of the Tournament award in the process. He also represented England at the Hong Kong International Cricket Sixes in 1995.

Cricinfo Player Profile: PAJ DeFreitas