Young cricketers from Clitheroe Cobras are in the UAE to support England in the one-day series, in Day Five of his blog, coach FAROUK HUSSAIN finds out what it is like to officiate on the big stage...
A quiet morning preceded the game at the Sevens ground against the Young Talent cricket Academy.
Just as well really, as some female members of the tour party had possibly over indulged in the ice cold Corona and Shawarma kebabs thus leading to them being a little delicate the following morning.
As for me and Tarquin, we stuck strictly to the salad and rice!
Getting in shape for the cricket season ahead.
News had filtered through that Florence had taken it upon herself to take one of the black full length outfits from the Zayed Mosque the previous day on long term loan.
Not quite sure when she is hoping to return it. Perhaps we could send her on long term loan!
Word had gone round that today’s opposition were a crack outfit which seemed to have unsettled the Cobras but Shovelhands Lomax remained his usual unflustered self.
Does anything get this man’s gander up I ask?
A slow track (which is a surprise for this part of the world!) meant that runs were hard to come by and coupled with regular loss of wickets the Cobras limped to 108 off their 30 overs on another red hot day and huge ground with an electric outfield.
Skipper Omar top scoring with a dogged 36 and Joe Safe Hands Hardcastle gave him good support with a breezy 20.
Umpiring in the middle made me realise what it must be like for the International Umpires who officiate in any fixture involving Pakistan.
Appeals galore and constant chatter meant there was really a quiet moment.
In reply the home side got off to a bad start as Tobias Child Broadbent proved that pies really do take wickets as he snared the only two batsmen to be dismissed.
There then followed a century partnership with gave YTCA victory with eight wickets and eight overs left.
A quick tea and the Cobras were ready to do a bit of shopping down the Fake City – putting bartering skills to the test.
With Florence leading the way – we were in good hands as we descended upon the biggest knock-off goods complex you’re ever likely to see.
A couple of hours later most returned with watches, watches and more watches. The odd one even worked. Can’t be bad! A couple of pairs of Beats headphones were even acquired.
The Mulligans however played safe and opted for a postcard. Nevertheless they did surprise everyone by getting it pre-stamped!
While some called it a day , Tarquin,Footlong, Shovelhands and King Cobra headed down Jumeirah Walk to sample some fine cuisine.
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