Sussex shape up in UAE

Chris Adams

Sussex will be preparing for the 2007 season with a tour to the UAE from March 13 to 22 which includes a match against Essex on Monday 19 at the Zayed International Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

They will be playing four fixtures and their second on Tuesday 20 March against a Fly Emirates XI is a floodlit 50-over match at the Sharjah Cricket Stadium.

Sussex will have top players such as Chris Adams, Jason Lewry, Luke Wright, Robin Martin-Jenkins, Carl Hopkinson and 2007 beneficiary Richard Montgomerie available.

Sussex chief executive Gus Mackay said: “This is Sussex's first significant pre-season tour for five years and we are very lucky to be going to the United Arab Emirates where the cricket and sporting facilities are so superb.

“Not only is this an amazing opportunity for Sussex to help develop cricket in the UAE but it also provides our team with the perfect conditions for pre-season preparation for what will be a very challenging year defending their titles.

“We are delighted to have formed our partnership with Emirates Airlines and we hope this will be the start of consolidating our relationship with the UAE and Emirates Airlines, developing a strong, long-term association with them both."

Vic Sheppard, Emirates' vice president UK & Ireland said: "It is a great pleasure for Emirates to support Sussex and to be able to welcome them to the UAE.

“With the perfect weather and the excellent sporting facilities available in the UAE, I am sure the tour will prepare them in the best way possible for the 2007 season."

March 13: Sussex fly to Dubai
March 16: Sussex v Abu Dhabi President's XI
March 17: Sussex v UAE Academy
March 19: Sussex v Essex
March 20: Sussex v Fly Emirates XI
March 21: Sussex return to UK