Barbados Today

DUBAI — Legendary West Indies opener Gordon Greendige inspired a promising Under-13 cricketer from the UAE during Desert Cubs Cricket Academy’s recent tour to England and Wales.

Pranav Kumar, who won the best player of the tour award, received the award from Greenidge.

“It was a great feeling to receive the award from such a great cricketer,” he said. “He also advised me to give my best always during matches.”

Kumar received the coveted trophy by giving his best during the tour as a player and as captain of the Under-13 Desert Academy team. He scored 376 runs and took 11 wickets from just six matches. His knocks included an unbeaten 110 against Whitkirk Cricket Club and had maintained an average of 125. Apart from the one centursy, he also hit three half centuries.

Presley Polonowitta, the head coach of the Desert Cubs Cricket Academy, said: “To have Greenidge present trophies to players was a great honour. He visited us on the final day of the tour at Watford Cricket Club and interacted with our players. He also met the girls team and presented trophies to them.”

So impressed were the budding cricketers with the presence of Greenidge that Polonowitta is now planning to fly this legendary batsman to the UAE for a coaching session.

“The presence of great players can always inspire youngsters,” he added. “So we will be soon inviting Greendige to conduct a clinic for youngsters here.”

Desert Cubs Cricket Academy toured the United Kingdom with 165 cricketers dividing teams according to their age group and participated in tournaments.