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Amla, Umar praise ICC Global Cricket Academy facilities

DUBAI - Pakistan and South Africa cricketers have praised the facilities at the ICC Global Cricket Academy (ICC GCA) in Dubai, a press release said here on Wednesday.

Both teams had the opportunity to train at the ICC GCA prior to the first Test that ended in a draw on Tuesday at the Dubai International Cricket Stadium.

The unique ICC GCA practice environment, that includes turf pitches constructed with clay from Pakistan, Australia and England, provides players with the opportunity to train in conditions that mirror those from various parts of the world.

South Africa’s top-order batsman Hashim Amla was particularly impressed. He said: “We were surprised to be able to train in conditions in Dubai that replicated different locations around the world.

“The Australian wickets were very similar to what we use back home in South Africa, so you can see the advantage of practising here before a tour.”

Pakistan fast bowler Umar Gul agreed. “I have to say some of the wickets here at the academy are just like what we play on in South Asia,” he said.

ICC GCA Head Curator Tony Hemming said: “We have four types of clay to work with, by preparing with various techniques for the pitch preparation we can simulate conditions similar to most parts of the cricket world.

“We also have, at various times of the day, high humidity which helps us simulate conditions for swing bowling. We are obviously excited by the opportunity to create these facilities for the world’s best, and up and coming, players to enjoy.”

Both South Africa and Pakistan have shown interest in returning to Dubai before future tours and can also see other teams using these state-of-the-art facilities.

Acting General Manager of the ICC GCA Ekta Hutton said: “It is great to see that the foresight of ICC, coupled with the investment of Dubai Sports City, has allowed these pitches to be created that really provide for a unique global training environment.

“To see international teams appreciate what we have is very heartening and we look forward to seeing more teams confirm their stays here.”