Emburey hurt by BCCI behaviour

Abu Dhabi: Former England skipper and a great off-spinner during his days, John Emburey is here as the Coach of the Lashing World XI - a job which he probably would have been doing with India but for it mysteriously fizzling out.

Short-listed along with Graham Ford, Emburey and the South African were interviewed by the Indian Cricket Board officials.

Spin sensation

"We met the officials and Ford got the job, it was as simple as that. So I went home. Later Ford turned down the offer. And I understand that the BCCI heard from some journalist that I was not interested in the job," said Emburey.

"That was not true and I was interested in the job. Having turned me down I heard they did not get back to me as they felt I was not interested and they should have spoken to me.

"That was a bit disappointing. Yes I was disappointed but India went on to do well without a coach thereafter!," said the former Middlesex and Northants' coach.

India is still playing without a coach with coach-designate Gary Kirsten set to join them after their tour of Australia.

Commenting on England's latest spin sensation Monty Panesar, Emburey said the youngster will go on to become England's best spinner.

"He has had a lot of success though on England's recent tour of Sri Lanka he did not do well.

"Panesar can turn his form around in New Zealand," said Emburey.

"He is young and inexperienced but he has already taken a lot of wickets and has been a match-winner. His best is yet to come and he will have a long stint with the English team," said Emburey.

Emburey felt the future of cricket in the Gulf region looked bright.

"The entire Lashings World XI players spent a few hours with the Zayed Cricket Academy boys and it was a great experience.

"There is a lot of talent and some boys are more talented and this bodes well for the game in the region," Emburey said.