Wells to take charge as UAE coach on January 21

Sharjah: Colin Wells, a former England player will take charge as UAE cricket team coach on January 21.

"We have appointed Wells and he will right away start training the UAE senior team for the oncoming 2011 World Cup qualifiers," remarked Mazhar Khan, the Administrator of the Emirates Cricket Board.

"Wells has got huge experience as not only as a player but also as a coach and he joins us as at a very important time. We have already named the probables for the World Cup qualifier matches and the physical training camp have already commenced," said Khan.

Though the UAE Under-17 team will be flying out this month end to take part in the Asian Cricket Council Elite Cup in Nepal, Wells will not be travelling with the team.

"Wells will concentrate on grooming the UAE senior team for the World Cup qualifiers to be held in South Africa in April," added Khan.

Wells has a special attachment to Sharjah. He made his One-day international debut for England against Australia in 1985 at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Born in Sussex, the 48-year-old Wells is a right hand batsman and medium pacer. He has played in South Africa for Border Province in 1980 and then for Western Province during 1984 and 1985. His familiarity with the conditions in South Africa will be handy for the UAE team, which is expected to play in the World Cup qualifiers in the Gauteng region of South Africa.

Wells has done England and Wales Cricket Board advanced coaching course and level three coaching. He has also served Derbyshire County Club as a player, coach and even as manager. He has also captained Somerset County team second XI and also coached the team.

Wells hails from a cricket family. His younger brother Alan Wells too played for England under the captaincy of Mike Atherton against West Indies in 1995 series.