DUBAI // The man in charge of world youth cricket is to spend six months touring schools in the UAE in the hope of developing the game in the country. Rod Marsh, the director of coaching at the International Cricket Council's (ICC) new Global Cricket Academy (GCA), believes some of the biggest names in international cricket will ensure Dubai Sports City's new ground will have a spectacular opening early next year.
"Cricket is not a big sport among Emiratis and we will try to address that by the methods that have been tried and tested throughout the cricketing world," said the former Australian Test wicketkeeper, 60, who was in charge of both the Australian and England Test captains, Ricky Ponting and Kevin Pietersen, when he ran their academies. "You've got to start with the kids and try to get them interested. They have to learn the basics of the game at a young age and, hopefully, get them to love the game. Once they love the game, the rest follows."
Marsh is hoping to develop the game in schools but is concerned with where any budding cricketers can play. "The facilities in the UAE are probably not up to scratch with the number of playing fields," he said. "You don't see many cricket grounds here when you are driving around, do you? Hopefully, with us having the three grounds here at Dubai Sports City, it will make some sort of a difference. "We are looking at getting into the schools. I come out here in October and a lot of my time until March [when the academy is expected to be up and running] will be spent doing that."
Marsh was speaking in the shadow of the spectacular new Dubai Sports City cricket ground, which is nearing completion. "The stadium is fantastic," said Marsh. "There is going to be an unbelievable atmosphere because the people are going to be so close to the action. It's going to be scary good." "I'm sure high-profile teams will be here to open it. It is common sense to get the best. If you take a stab, Australia v England and India v Pakistan. I imagine that's what the ICC management are talking about."
The GCA's general manager, Marc Archer, confirmed matters were on track at the stadium. "It's going to be ready for international cricket in the first quarter of the new year," he said. "The pitch is ready and the outfield is about to be seeded with some American grass. It is going to be fantastic." @Email:mwalker@thenational.ae