The UAE received a huge boost in their preparations for the Scotland tour after Paul Franks confirmed former England international Owais Shah is offering his expertise as a batting consultant.

Shah, 37, joined Franks’ coaching team for a brief stint on Sunday. He will work with the players
until Friday in their training camp in Hampshire, England, ahead of their departure to Scotland for next Tuesday’s Intercontinental Cup match against the hosts.

With Shah possessing vast knowledge, having won 94 international caps in all formats, while also representing teams in the IPL and the Big Bash, Franks is delighted to have him on board.

“We spent a lot of time playing with each other at different levels for England and his knowledge of the conditions here is second to none,” said the 37-year-old.

“It will be great for the players to connect with him as he’s played a lot of cricket in England and in other countries like India and Australia.”

He will be tasked in fine-tuning the players’ batting techniques ahead of the four-day encounter and 50-over World Cricket League matches on August 14 and 16.

“As he knows the state of the wickets, he will help the guys in not making too many mistakes,” said Franks.

“The conditions in the UK and Middle East are very different and it’s a matter of them getting
adjusted. He will also work with the players and put together plans and ensure they are confident with the bat when they go out on the field.”

Spinner Ahmed Raza insists Shah’s had a positive impact so far.

“He’s played in these conditions a lot and knows how to make runs and I think that is very important,” he said. “He doesn’t talk much about the techniques but more on the tactics as scoring runs is an art here. For sure, him being with us this week is a big boost.”