Cricket's chance to nuture local talent

The Emirates Cricket Board are going in the right direction by adding two grass grounds at the Zayed Cricket Stadium.

Improving the country's cricket infrastructure has been the primary objective of the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), and the planners are going in the right direction by adding two grass grounds, complete with turf wickets and a pavilion, located close to the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Such facilities are a boon to the local cricketers, particularly to those who would represent the UAE at international competitions.

It provides them with the opportunity to improve their game by playing on turf wickets, where every patch is different - compared to the very predictable cement strips, on which they currently play.

The challenges of playing on the turf pitches is that every delivery can vary in speed, bounce and turn, and test the batsmen. And it is the same for bowling; it is a challenge to bowl on a good line and length, and vary the movement in both pace and spin.

"Playing on cement pitchestakes away all the basic good techniques of a batsman or bowler," said Kabir Khan, the UAE national coach.

"It would be advisable to place a matting over the cement for local cricket, but if turf wickets can be prepared, then that's the best one could provide a cricketer."

In the larger context, such facilities are sure to attract youth players and, crucially, young Emiratis, one of the main goals of the ECB.

And, no doubt, provide the top-level cricketer a massive incentive to take his game to a new level.

The two grounds that are taking shape adjoining the main stadium also add value to the cricket complex where a few hundred cricketers and a few hundred youngsters gather every weekend to play a game or train in Abu Dhabi.