Srinath and Crowe to be match referees for Pakistan-England Test series in UAE

Dubai: Former Indian pacer Javagal Srinath and ex-New Zealand Test star Jeff Crowe will be the match referees for the upcoming Test series between Pakistan and England in the UAE, which starts on January 17.

Srinath will be the match referee for the first Test match at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium and the second Test at the Abu Dhabi Shaikh Zayed Cricket Stadium. Crowe will officiate in the third Test in Dubai.

Some of the best umpires will officiate the series, bearing in mind the intensity with which it is likely to be fought. The first Test will be officiated by Billy Bowden and Bruce Oxford, while the second will be watched over by Steve Davis and Oxford.

For the third Test, Australian Simon Taufel will officiate along with Davis. India's Shahvir Tarapore, who officiated in the recent Pakistan-Sri Lanka series, will be television umpire for the third Test match.

Meanwhile, the International Cricket Council (ICC) Global Cricket Academy officials have made arrangements for a family day out for fans during the third and final day of the warm-up match between England and PCB XI on Friday.

Dubai Sports City General Manager Sports Business Maqbul Dudhia said: "As Friday is the one day of the week that many people have away from work, we are determined to create a fun, family atmosphere for everyone to enjoy."

The Oval ground has grass mounts around it and fans can have a great day watching not only promising Pakistan players but also the England team stars in action free of cost.

"Our aim is create a real festival feel around the ICC Global Cricket Academy. We encourage those spectators to bring their deck chairs and their umbrellas and settle back for a top day of fun on and off the field. With top-class cricket as well as a bouncy castle for children and barbeque facilities, we hope the day will have something for everyone," Dudhia said.