The 37-year-old was named as Amjad Javed’s deputy for the four-day Intercontinental Cup match that begins tomorrow in Scotland as well as the two ODIs next Sunday and Tuesday.
It is the first time Anwar will hold this role in the national team but acknowledges he will need to be among the players to lead from the front.
“I’m very happy to have been named vice-captain for this tour and it’s a big honour for me,” said Anwar, who became the first UAE batsman to score a World Cup century in the two-wicket loss to Ireland last year.
“I’ve been playing for the UAE for a long time and there were some good players in front of me who went on to skipper the team like Khurram Khan, Saqib Ali, Mohammad Tauqir and Ahmed Raza.
“I’m now one of the most senior players in the squad and I feel I’ve performed very well recently so I will do my utmost for the team as the vice-captain.”
It’s not the first time, he’s been named vice-captain in his career, having taken the role during his playing days in Pakistan.
With Javed leading the team, he will offer his advice to the all-rounder.
“Amjad Javed is a very good captain and I know him very well,” he said. “I will talk to him and offer my support whenever he needs it and help the other players in the team.”
Anwar warmed up for the Scotland games with an impressive ton in a warm-up game last week and is keen to continue that form.
“Obviously, it’s great to have scored a century and I want to keep scoring more,” he said. “This role is big for me and I have to play extremely well. But it’s not just me, each and every person has to bowl and bat well as it’s a team effort.”
.@CricketScotland & @EmiratesCricket ready for battle in @ICC I-Cup and ICC WCLC in Ayr https://t.co/OCvUmc4kzH pic.twitter.com/OQZyxXV7qt
— ICC Media (@ICCMediaComms) August 7, 2016
