21 May 2007 - Legendary Australian wicket-keeper and batsman Rod Marsh was recently in the United Arab Emirates to oversee the progress of the ICC Global Cricket Academy at Dubai Sports City.

Marsh joined senior Dubai Sports City and International Cricket Council (ICC) officials for an inspection of the site of the Academy, which will be a state-of-the-art, purpose built facility allowing players, coaches, umpires, curators and administrators to develop their skills in an environment totally focused on progress and achievement.

“It’s great to see a project like this growing so fast. Since my last visit here, this venue is really taking shape as a world-class facility,” said Rod Marsh. “It’s fitting that a visionary Emirate such as Dubai should provide the home of the ICC Global Cricket Academy.”

“I am delighted that we have finalized, in conjunction with the ICC and Dubai Sports City, the various state-of-the-art equipment to be used for training purposes, namely Hawk Eye and Jugs cricketing machines, Iron Mike Pitching machines and high speed cameras… this facility will be like none other”.

During each of his trips to Dubai but also in the time in between these trips Marsh has been a constant source of advice for those designing and planning the project, drawing on his own years of experience in international cricket as well as cricket training.

Marsh retired shortly after the 1983/84 cricket season, but his commitment to the sport is undiminished. He spent several years in charge of the Australian Cricket Academy in Adelaide and was the Director of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) national academy from October 2001 to September 2005.

As part of the plan to create the best training facility in the world, the ICC Global Cricket Academy is reproducing a variety of pitch types, which will replicate the conditions found in different countries. The work involves importing specific types of clay, soil and turf and the completion of this stage of the project represents a major step forward.

“I’ve worked in this industry since I was 17 years old, and this is one of my biggest challenges to date,” said Tony Hemming, Head Curator, ICC Global Cricket Academy.

“Just keeping the clay from getting contaminated by dust is a full-time job. We think we have got the answers to all the potential problems and this shows that this is an extremely professional undertaking. I’m extremely pleased with how the first stage has progressed,” he added.

Officials from the ICC and Dubai Sports City expressed satisfaction at the progress made so far on the development of the Academy.

“We were delighted to welcome Rod Marsh back to Dubai Sports City and to share his excitement at the ongoing development of this project. The first ever global cricket academy in Dubai Sports City will be a centre of international excellence, and the involvement of sportspeople like Rod ensures we are working to the highest standard,” said Malcolm Thorpe, Marketing Director, Sports Business, Dubai Sports City.

Photo Caption: Rod Marsh inspects progress at the site of the Cricket Stadium along with officials from the International Cricket Council and Dubai Sports City.