Batting is our strength, says UAE coach Drakes

Sharjah: Vasbert Drakes, the former West Indian pacer turned coach, has been shaping up the UAE cricket team for the Asia Cup on June 24 in Pakistan.

Drakes, at 38, looks as fit as he was in his playing days and trains with the players.

He spoke at length about his hopes for the team.

How has the preparation for the Asia Cup been?

So far, so good. The only problem is that some of the players have not been able to come for practice on a regular basis due to their work commitments.

Otherwise everything is going according to the plan.

How have you handled the heat factor? Has it been really tough to train?

For me, personally, it is very hot but the boys are pretty used to this sort of climate and have adjusted to it.

I am sure they will be comfortable physically and mentally by the time they reach Pakistan.

How different is the UAE from other teams you have coached?

The culture is different but the mindset is the same, as one would have wanted.

They all want to do well at the highest level and the commitment is very good.

The attitude is spot on so far and it is pretty comfortable working with the guys so far.

What is UAE's strong point?

They are good in the batting department.

We have some good spinners but our seamers are young and immature, as they have not been exposed consistently at the highest level. So it is an area of concern.

Are you satisfied with the practice matches?

It has been very constructive and we have tried to get the right balance based on their capabilities.

So when we finally sit down we will have the right formation to tackle the opposition.

How do you find the two opponents in your group, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a quality side and Bangladesh is improving by the day.

When we step on to the cricket field we will play to win.

Who, among the players, can play a big role?

I would like everyone to be in a situation [where] he will be beneficial to the team.

I don't think any one individual is going to make the difference.

To win, it has to be a collective effort.

How do you find the standard of domestic cricket here?

There is a lot of talent, and more important[ly], there is a lot of passion for the game.

In terms of striking a cricket ball, they seem to do well.

They have the passion to run in and bowl and what they need most is consistent practice.

How much will this exposure help UAE in the world cup qualifier?

It is will be a massive experience, especially playing in front of a big crowd. I think psychologically it will provide us with a stable mind to compete against some of the top opposition.

UAE team for the Asia Cup: Saqib Ali (Captain), Mohammad Tauqir (vice captain), Khurram Khan, Arshad Ali, Zahid Shah, Amjad Javed, Shadeep Silva, Fahad Al Hashimi, Salman Farooq, Amjad Ali (wk), Alawi Shukri, Nizel Fernandez, Indika Batuwitaarachchi, Mohammad Aman Ali and Vikranath Shetty.

Reserves: Ahmad Raza, Shoaib Sarwar, P.Bakhtiyar, Rameez Shahzad and M.Iqbal.

Officials: Mazhar Khan (Manager), Vasbert Drakes (Coach) and Chitrala Sudhaker (Physio).