The duel in the desert

What can South Africa expect to find in the United Arab Emirates during the next month when they challenge Pakistan in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi? It appears from all comments to the media so far that they are a little devoid of reliable information, and while recorded data so far is inconclusive, they need to understand local conditions.

I have read that they are expecting extremely hot weather. Wrong. This time of the year is the most pleasant with highs around 30 degrees Celsius and lows around 27 degrees. It is considered the perfect time of the year by the locals as they are offered much-needed respite from the suffocating intense heat that dictates that their typical day-to-day living in Dubai is done in an air-conditioned bubble. I have commentated during the months of July and August in Dubai when it is tremendously oppressive. It is almost impossible to play any sport in those fierce conditions. Temperatures are often above 50 degrees Celsius, except in the papers. Local law prohibits any workers from labouring in conditions above that temperature, so speculation has it that a 50 degree excess is never reported. There will be no rain, of that I am certain. All in all the conditions will be great for cricket, but one look at the playing surface and the ‘quicks’ won’t agree.

The stadium at Abu Dhabi is a good one but it is very isolated in that oil rich part of the world and pretty much in the middle of nowhere. The pitch will be barren and mosaic in appearance with bounce being on the low side. Don’t attempt to discover a blade of grass! There is certainly no reason why that will change with Pakistan’s focus now firmly planted in the corner of the spin department.

The local support in Abu Dhabi will be one-sided. Pakistan have in the past enjoyed some vocal encouragement and despite recent revelations they can expect the same. The big question mark will be the pitch during the five-day test. That game duration has never happened before and although there has been absolutely nothing wrong with the tracks prepared there previously for shorter versions, we all know this is a different ball game.

Now for the exciting leg of the tour. Let me make one thing perfectly clear. Dubai is a fascinating place. That alone will energise the players who will not have had much prior exposure to this remarkable city that is no longer oil rich and leans heavily on the service industry to make ends meet. The stadium in Dubai is exceptional and absolutely spectacular. Due to its unique lighting system it is often referred to as ‘The Ring of Fire.’ It is one of the finest stadiums I have ever seen or worked at and can hold some 25 000 spectators in luxury rarely seen before. No expense has been spared at this venue and it certainly will be appreciated by the players. Rest assured, thousands of South Africans currently working in Dubai will be out in force to support their team, and they will be heard. Word has it there are some 50 000 presently living in Dubai. The general playing surface is immaculate and expertly prepared and overseen by a former groundsman from the MCG, but I expect, as has been the case previously, that Pakistan preparation will influence the pitch characteristics when the battle lines are drawn.

My guess is that the track at Dubai Sports City will have the necessary ingredients to make the test match there a fascinating one, but it does present the ground staff with its own distinctive challenges. Due to the location of the stadium and the occurrence of regular desert breezes, some 27 tons of dust is vacuumed from the grass surface annually!

Let the duel in the desert begin.