UAE cricketers are preparing for a red-ball challenge as they compete in an upcoming two-day tournament, an initiative aimed at improving their adaptability in longer formats of the game. The nation has so far excelled mainly in the T20 and 50-over formats, and this tournament is expected to provide much-needed exposure to the nuances of red-ball cricket.
The initiative is led by coach Lalchand Rajput, a seasoned mentor with experience in international cricket. According to him, a strong foundation in red-ball cricket is a must for players in order to develop their stamina, concentration, and technique. “Playing longer formats will help our players develop patience and resilience, which are crucial even in the shorter versions of the game,” Rajput said.
The tournament will be part of the UAE Cricket Board’s attempts to close the gap between shorter and longer formats. The UAE has made tremendous progress in white-ball cricket but still faces a challenge regarding their lack of experience in red-ball matches. A two-day match will be considered a stepping stone for future opportunities in multi-day cricket.
With promising young talent coming forward in UAE cricket, this exercise can prove crucial for improving the skills of the team and toughening players up for future international challenges. The fans, as well as the analysts, will be all set to look for how this team will stand the novel test of stamina and class.
