Dubai: Former England and Scotland cricketer Dougie Brown has been appointed as the UAE national team coach.
Brown whose international cricket career, which took off from the Sharjah Cricket Stadium, when he made his One Day International Cricket debut against India in 1997, will now be seen grooming the national team in UAE top venues including Sharjah.
Waleed Bukhatir, Emirates Cricket Board Member and Chief Selector confirmed his appointment and stated: “After a very extensive process, the Board are very pleased to confirm that Dougie has been selected as Emirates Cricket’s Head Coach. Dougie’s influence and impact on the players has been evident through their recent form and commitment, and we look forward to watching them continue this upward curve under his guidance.”
Though Brown did not take officially take charge as coach, he was training the team for the last three months.
Talking about his appointment, Brown said: “It is a huge honour to be appointed head coach of the UAE Cricket National Team and I really look forward to the exciting challenges that lie ahead as we look to build on the recent success the team has achieved. We have had an outstanding three months and I continue to be impressed with both individual and team performances. I relish the opportunity to further develop the team culture and reinforce our style of play.”
Brown will officially take charge from June 1 and will prepare the team for the 50-over matches against The Netherlands, in The Netherlands during mid-July.
The six-feet two inch Brown could generate good pace during his playing days.
Interestingly one of his finest bowling spells was also in Sharjah when in his only second ODI match against West Indies, he bowled Philo Wallace with the first ball of the match and had Brian Lara leg before with the third.
