Today's Edition
Abu Dhabi (Aletihad)
“I think I may have been born in the wrong country,” says Alex Hales as he comes down for a media interaction following Team Abu Dhabi’s first game of the seventh season of Abu Dhabi T10 against Chennai Braves. The opening batsman is in his second season at the franchise, enough time away from cold England winters to fall in “love” with the city.
“I absolutely love the weather here. I am English but I love the sunshine and hot weather. It’s nice to not be in England at this time of the year. I love the beaches, and you can get me out there at any time,” he says.
Cricket’s fastest tournament, Abu Dhabi T10, has already engulfed the UAE capital, with fans clamouring to see exciting action-packed cricket everyday. Team Abu Dhabi has played four games in the tournament, but have yet to get off the mark in the win column.
Despite the results, Hales is enjoying his time in the tournament, and explains why he keeps returning to play the format. “I really enjoy playing in T10. This is my fourth season in T10 – I played in the first two editions, and then I joined Team Abu Dhabi last season. It is a tough format when you are out of form. If you face a couple of dot balls, it is very easy to have a panic onset. But when you are in form, it is a great format to play,” the batsman said.
Hales is one of the few players that were retained by South Africa coach Mark Boucher’s Team Abu Dhabi. The 34-year-old praised the team’s culture and expressed his motivations to want to continue playing for the franchise.
“I really enjoy the atmosphere in the team. We have the great Mark Boucher as the coach who has bought us altogether. He has huge amounts of experience. We are trying to create a culture where everyone can play freely and the way they want to play,” Hales said.
“I also like the fact that we are playing for home team in the home city and I enjoy the home support which we see out there at the stands. It’s my second year here and hopefully many more to come,” he added.
Apart from the beach, the sun, and T10 cricket, Hales enjoys the food and tourist spots in Abu Dhabi. He jokingly admits he keeps putting on weight every time he visits for T10 tournament. “I love every food item here. Every time I come here – I put on 3-4 kg. I eat everything. There are so many restaurants to choose from. You are really spoilt for choices. I also visited the Grand Mosque last year which was really special. Also, there are three main golf courses which are among my favourite places. Whenever I get a day off, you can find me at one of the courses,” the Englishman says.
