DUBAI // The UAE may have missed the chance to play any of the major sides in the build-up to next year’s World Cup but they will get the next best thing against New Zealand A on Sunday.
The touring squad comprises some of the country’s most successful limited-overs players, including Daniel Vettori, the leading New Zealand wicket-taker in international cricket.
The left-arm spinner, who has taken 681 wickets across three formats for New Zealand, is continuing his rehabilitation after a succession of injuries.
He made his first New Zealand appearance since the 2013 Champions Trophy last month against South Africa.
The series in the UAE will be another chance for him to find fitness and form with a view to the World Cup in his homeland, starting in February.
The hosts also have a similar goal in mind. The national team aim to be better prepared than ever before when they open their World Cup account against Zimbabwe in February.
The game against New Zealand A follows a three-week training camp at which Paul Collingwood, Paul Franks and Chris Read, three former England players, were enlisted to help.
David East, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) chief executive, said the fixture should provide the national team with a good benchmark of where they stand ahead of the World Cup.
“Only a certain amount can be achieved from practice and training, as it is high quality competitive matches that stretch the players to their limit,” East said.
“For our team to have the opportunity to play against a top quality New Zealand team as part of our preparation is fantastic and we are extremely grateful to them for their support.”
The national team will play four one-day internationals against Afghanistan at the same venue, starting next Friday.
“This is a great opportunity for us to put into place the skills we have been working hard on during our latest preparation camp,” said Will Kitchen, the UAE high performance manager. “As we continue our preparation towards the World Cup, the opportunity for us to lock horns with a full member side comprised of world-class players is fantastic and one we’re really looking forward to.”
pradley@thenational.ae
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