The fierce cricket rivalry between England and Australia dates back to the 19th century and bonds each country in fierce sporting combat every two years as the teams clash to win The Ashes.
While both countries battle it out Down Under this month, expats in the capital will be holding their very own ‘Test’ match here in Abu Dhabi.
Bell Pottinger will be sponsoring the inaugural England Expats XI v Australian Expats XI at the Emirates Palace on Friday 22nd November, the day after the start of the real Ashes in Brisbane.
Play starts at 10am and anyone is welcome to come and watch. Entrance is free but supporters are advised to bring with them their own food and drink.
The final teams will be announced shortly, with the selection process currently ongoing.
This will be the first of a series of matches that will be played at the Emirates Palace, in an attempt to raise the profile of cricket throughout all of Abu Dhabi’s expatriate community.
Archie Berens, managing director of Bell Pottinger’s Abu Dhabi office, and who will captain the England XI says:
“We’re really pleased to be sponsoring an Ashes match in Abu Dhabi and we hope it will show cricket enthusiasts of all ages and nationalities that they can indulge their passion here. Naturally we’ll be trying our hardest to get one over the Aussies: we’ll aim to keep the sledging to a minimum, but I’m sure there’ll be some healthy banter, especially once our test team have gained the upper hand in Brisbane the day before.”
Supporters can find the pitch by turning up at the main gate and asking for directions.
