LOOK: UAE youth cricket team practise at ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai

The UAE Under-19 cricket team got down to practice at the ICC Cricket Academy in Dubai on Wednesday

The youngsters were in training for the Under-19 Asia Cup, which begins on Thursday

First up for the UAE is a tough challenge against the mighty India

The UAE were getting their timing right ahead of the Group A clash with India. The group also includes Afghanistan and Pakistan

Group B consists of Bangladesh, Kuwait, Nepal and Sri Lanka

UAE assistant coach Najeeb Amar was overseeing affairs in Dubai on Wednesday

The U19 coach Mudassar Nazar, the former Pakistan all-rounder, was also on hand at the ICC Cricket Academy. "The hosts will be looking to get the much-needed experience ahead of the U19 World Cup to be held in the West Indies," he said.

There was plenty of camaraderie among the UAE teammates as they worked out and played in the winter sunshine

The tournament will be played at three venues: the ICC Academy, Dubai; Sharjah Cricket Stadium; Dubai International Stadium

With the tournament beginning on Thursday, the goal for the UAE is a date at the International Stadium on December 31

Also playing on Thursday are Afghanistan v Pakistan at ICC Academy 2 and Kuwait v Sri Lanka at Sharjah Cricket Stadium December 24 Bangladesh v Nepal at Sharjah Cricket Stadium

The UAE will next be in action on December 25 against Afghanistan at the ICC Academy