Sport

Scalp of Bevan is one to savour

Nigel Fernandes, the captain of the Fly Emirates cricket team, takes two world-class scalps against the defeated Lord's Taverners.

Paul Radley
Paul Radley
Dubai

March 06, 2010

DUBAI // Nigel Fernandes probably thought life as the captain of the Fly Emirates cricket team could get no better than the day an email dropped into his inbox confirming that Shahid Afridi was going to be joining his side. The fact that the world's most dynamic all-rounder will be taking orders from him in a fortnight's time, when he turns out for the home side in the Emirates Airline Twenty20 at The Sevens, is obviously exciting. But it can wait.

For now, Fernandes has another story about his cricketing exploits to dine out on: the day he took six wickets for nine runs, including a player rated among the greatest one-day batsmen, as well as a recent Ashes winner. Fernandes, the former UAE national team batsman, sent down his occasional left-arm off-breaks to dynamic effect against Lord's Taverners yesterday. His first victim was Michael Bevan, the former Australia limited-overs batsman, who was followed quickly back to the new pavilion by his opening colleague, Geraint Jones, the former England wicketkeeper.

Once the rot had started, the touring charity side from England tumbled to 107 all out, which Emirates overhauled with relative ease, despite facing up to a bowling attack that included the likes of former England pacemen, Devon Malcolm and Andy Caddick. "I have the ball as a souvenir and hopefully Michael Bevan will sign it for me," said Fernandes, an airport services supervisor who has lived in Dubai for nine years after moving from his native Mumbai.

"I'm actually a batsman who can bowl, rather than a genuine bowler, but my team needed me to bowl today. It was my lucky day. I have never taken six wickets before." The match was of great significance to the cricket-loving public of Dubai. It marked the first use of the city's new cricket complex, with the main, floodlit oval soon to be supplemented by another grass field, as well as four sand pitches.

The Taverners will get the chance to avenge their defeat when they play the last game of their two-match tour at the same venue tomorrow. pradley@thenational.ae

How to apply for a drone permit
  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
  • Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
When Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi

  

 

 

 

Known as The Lady of Arabic Song, Umm Kulthum performed in Abu Dhabi on November 28, 1971, as part of celebrations for the fifth anniversary of the accession of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan as Ruler of Abu Dhabi. A concert hall was constructed for the event on land that is now Al Nahyan Stadium, behind Al Wahda Mall. The audience were treated to many of Kulthum's most well-known songs as part of the sold-out show, including Aghadan Alqak and Enta Omri.

 
How to protect yourself when air quality drops

Install an air filter in your home.

Close your windows and turn on the AC.

Shower or bath after being outside.

Wear a face mask.

Stay indoors when conditions are particularly poor.

If driving, turn your engine off when stationary.

if you go

The flights

Fly to Rome with Etihad (www.etihad.ae) or Emirates (www.emirates.com) from Dh2,480 return including taxes. The flight takes six hours. Fly from Rome to Trapani with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from Dh420 return including taxes. The flight takes one hour 10 minutes. 

The hotels 

The author recommends the following hotels for this itinerary. In Trapani, Ai Lumi (www.ailumi.it); in Marsala, Viacolvento (www.viacolventomarsala.it); and in Marsala Del Vallo, the Meliaresort Dimore Storiche (www.meliaresort.it).