Thirteen players from clubs around the country will travel to the United Arab Emirates and Oman to play in a combination of 50 and 20 over cricket. We caught up with Will before he went away for a bit of a catch up and to see how the trip fitted in with his plans for the 2010 season.
I’m really excited about the tour – I’ve never been to the UAE before so it will be a really great experience. We spend five days in Abu Dhabi, five days in Dubai and two days in Oman.
I know some of the guys that will be going too so that makes a big difference – I know Kadeer Ali and Steve Snell from Gloucester and the MCC YC’s and I’ve enjoyed playing against David Balcombe a few times so it’ll be nice to have the chance to play alongside him.
Keith Dutch is going to be captaining us, I’ve heard lots of really good things about him so I’m sure we’re in good hands.
It’ll be great when I get back from the tour because more of the lads will be about and then I think the run up to the start of the season will be pretty fast and furious. My winter training has been in anticipation of this trip, the season comes very quickly from here on in.
Exactly! It’s weird how these things come along at the same time – my brother Alex is going to be captaining the MCC when we play them for the season opener in Abu Dhabi so that trip will be exciting for a completely different reason.
My pre season training so far has been focused on developing my overall skills as a Durham cricketer. I really want to develop my one day game as I think that’s where I have the opportunity to make a real impact within the team.
I’ve come back into training feeling really refreshed and, after my operation, it’s nice to be bowling (Pain free!) on a regular basis. I’ve been wary not to do too much during the recovery process so have focused on developing specific batting skills while doing the more general bowling practice.
The tour is a great addition to my pre season preparation – I’m really grateful to be going along and it adds to the preparation I’ve already done.
I feel really focused for the season ahead and I’m keen to play a big part in Durham winning a one day trophy this year and if I could play a part in more championship success for the club that would be great too.
Mike Griffith Sussex CCC; Chairman of MCC Cricket Committee
Arfan Akram Cambridge MCCU; Essex CCC
Gregg Brown Bath CC
Kadeer Ali Gloucestershire CCC
Will Gidman MCC Young Cricketers; Durham CCC
Keith Dutch Captain Middlesex CCC; Somerset CCC
Adnan Akram Cambridge MCCU; Essex CCC
Eddie Ballard Cambridge MCCU
David Balcombe Durham MCCU; Hampshire CCC
Steve Snell MCC Young Cricketers; Gloucestershire CCC
Richard King Loughborough MCCU; Northamptonshire CCC; Syston CC
Tom Allin Cardiff MCCU
Luke Jarvis East Bierley CC
Jonathan Wightman Durham MCCU; South Northumberland CC
Tim Robinson Umpire England; Notinghamshire CCC; first-class umpire
Geoff Knight Scorer
Thu 18 February Depart for Dubai Heathrow via Lord’s
Fri 19 February Transfer to Abu Dhabi; acclimatisation nets Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Sat 20 February MCC v Emirates Palace Gentlemen (20 overs) Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Sun 21 February MCC v Abu Dhabi XI (50 overs)Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Mon 22 February Rest day
Tue 23 February MCC v UAE (50 overs – day/night match) Zayed Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Wed 24 February Transfer to Dubai
Thu 25 February MCC v Sharjah XI (50 overs) Sharjah Stadium, Dubai
Fri 26 February Coaching day Sharjah Academy, Dubai
Sat 27 February MCC v Fly Emirates (50 overs) Al Dhaid, Dubai
Sun 28 February Travel to Oman & MCC v Oman (20 overs) Muscat
Mon 1 March MCC v Oman (50 overs) Muscat
Tue 2 March Return to UK
