Pakistan-South Africa to train at Global Cricket Academy

Dubai: Pakistan and South Africa will train at different types of wickets created at the International Cricket Council (ICC) Global Cricket Academy before the first Test match of the series.

"Pakistan and South Africa will become the first international teams to train at the different pitches we have created at the academy. They will get to use the Asian, Australian and English types of wickets we have specially made at the academy," remarked Ekta Hutton, the acting general manager of the ICC Global Cricket Academy to Gulf News.

"The academy has created 38 floodlit outdoor practice pitches. Twelve pitches are Asian types, 12 are like the Australia's Gabba ground wicket and another 12 will be like Australia's Waca ground wicket. There are also four English pitches and eight synthetic and two concrete wickets. So teams can practice to get acquainted in all types of wickets here," she added.

The South African team will get to sharpen their skills to play spin in the indoor practice pitches.

"We have six practice pitches here. Two pitches are spin pitches, another two are fast pitches and two batsmen friendly wickets," said Hutton.

Iron Mike Bowling machine, which is a remote controlled equipment that will bowl balls at different speeds, is being installed and even Hawk Eye camera to conduct video analysis on the techniques of the players is being made available.

"The two Oval grounds at the academy have also opened up for action. It will be staging the ICC Intercontinental Shield final and Inter Continental Cup final from December 2. High performance teams like Ireland, Kenya, Holland and Canada will be training at the academy on their way to India for the 2011 World Cup," said Hutton.

Open for all

The academy facilities are also now open for all schools, local clubs, corporate teams and tournaments.

"It will be an experience for cricketers here to play on the different types of wickets. We recently provided the fast bouncy Australian wickets for the Barmy Army team from England that played Young Talent Cricket Academy. Playing on such wickets can help players sharpen their skills.

"The facilities are available from Dh200 onwards depending on the equipment, time and facilities that the teams require for the day," said Hutton.