How Javed laid UAE foundation for Franks

Denzil Pinto 08:04 13/07/2016
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  • Paul Franks.

    Paul Franks insists the knowledge he gained by working alongside Aaqib Javed will be crucial in his short-term stint as the UAE’s interim head coach.

    The Englishman has taken the reins of the team for next month’s tour to Scotland following Javed’s departure in May.

    The 37-year-old, on loan from English county side Nottinghamshire, is no stranger to the national set-up, having been part of Javed’s coaching staff as an assistant for the 2015 World Cup and the Asia Cup earlier this year.

    During those two periods, the former all-rounder learnt valuable knowledge from the 1992 World Cup winner and will put that into good use over the next six weeks.

    “Without a doubt I gained a lot from him,” said the former England international, who took charge in his second outdoor session at Sharjah Cricket Stadium Wednesday.

    “He taught me a lot – not just on coaching the UAE players but coaching in general.

    “He’s been involved in the coaching game longer than I have.

    “Learning from someone like him was a great experience for me and for sure his tips and advice will definitely help me for this.

    “It will be wrong of me not to use all of them which are relevant.”

    He is a familar face to his new 14-man squad having worked with 10 of the players previously.

    While he is confident in getting to know the newcomers quickly, he is adamant his knowledge of the Asian-origin players will be a big advantage.

    “It’s not going to be a problem getting to know them,” he said.

    “During my career, I’ve played with a lot of guys from all over Asia so I know a little about the heritage.

    “I think knowing these boys is the most important thing.

    “Once you get to know the person, it becomes a lot easier to know how they are as a player.”

    He has less than a month to address his squad’s weaknesses ahead of their four-day Intercontinental Cup match on August 9, which is followed by two ODIs on August 14 and 16 in the World Cricket League (WCL) in Aberdeen.

    The UAE are yet to register a win in the I-Cup, while they only have one victory to their name from six games in the WCL.

    While he is fully aware he has a squad that is full of potential, his target is to improve the team.

    “Whatever that looks like (on improving the team), that is for people to decide and it will all be opinion-based,” he said.

    “Obviously, if we win it will be easier to judge an opinion but the individual and team performances is where I will take the satisfaction.

    “I think the biggest challenge for any coach is to make sure you win more than you lose.

    “You’re not going to win every game.

    “But looking at the road ahead if you win more, you’re in a good place and that’s a good place to start from.”

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