The UAE can take a lot of positives from their just concluded High Performance Programme (HPP) tour of Australia, according to national coach Aqib Javed.
Javed’s side suffered a two-wic-ket loss to South Australia Redbacks in their tour finale in Darwin on Thursday, but the UAE, who won two of their six matches against Northern Territory and Papua New Guinea, are progressing in their preparations for the World Cup.
The 42 year old says he is satisfied with the bowling and has set targets for improving the players’ fitness and the batting department which needs to be addressed over the next three months.
“I was impressed with the bowling,” said Javed, whose side will resume training on October 8 for their matches against Pakistan A and Afghanistan.
The 1992 World Cup winner added: “We have a good bowling unit and Mohammad Naveed was outstanding and so too were Kamran Shahzad and Amjad Javed.
“The bowlers had a great experience in adjusting to the pitch conditions and have learned a lot. We know where we stand and have set a few targets for the next three or four months.”
Javed added: “We have to improve our batting and not make rash shots.”
Javed picked out Naveed and batsman Andri Berenger as two players that caught his eye. Naveed, 27, claimed 12 wickets while Berenger, 23, showed his potential by finishing the tour with 159 runs.
“Mohammad Naveed is a genuine international player who is improving and has the potential to cause problems,” said Javed.
He added: “He [Berenger] is very talented but needs to learn how to play a longer innings because he scored good, scoring 30s and 40s. He’s a good gem and a special talent for the UAE.”
The UAE only crossed the 250- mark once, against Papua New Guinea, but the coach has backed his squad to come good when they face the likes of South Africa, Pakistan and India at the World Cup.
“It’s good to see the youngsters show their potential. Not all experienced players can score runs and even though Khurram Khan (captain) didn’t perform to his best, during the World Cup, I’m sure he will definitely do it,” said the former Pakistan international.
“Mohammad Naveed is a genuine international player who is improving and has the potential to cause problems,” said Javed.
He added: “He [Berenger] is very talented but needs to learn how to play a longer innings because he scored good, scoring 30s and 40s. He’s a good gem and a special talent for the UAE.”
The UAE only crossed the 250- mark once, against Papua New Guinea, but the coach has backed his squad to come good when they face the likes of South Africa, Pakistan and India at the World Cup.
“It’s good to see the youngsters show their potential. Not all experienced players can score runs and even though Khurram Khan (captain) didn’t perform to his best, during the World Cup, I’m sure he will definitely do it,” said the former Pakistan international.
