With cricket booming across the UAE, Sport360° decided to sit down each week with one local cricketer to find out more about the players that make up the sport in the Emirates.

This week we spoke to UCC all-rounder Essa Bin Amar.

Position: All-rounder Age: 34

Born: Hyderabad, India

Best match you watched: South Africa beating Australia in the fifth ODI match in Johannesburg in 2006. It was a tough total (434) to chase in an ODI against Australia and they batted very well and was great to watch the match.

Favourite format of the game to watch: Tests. It shows the abilities and techniques of the players and it’s a test of nerves.

Favourite player growing up: Brian Lara. He scored runs very heavily in domestic games as well as in international cricket.

First piece of cricket equipment you bought or were given: I bought my first bat when I was 16.

One stadium you would like to visit: Melbourne Cricket Ground. It’s one of the best stadiums I have seen on television and has a lot of rich history.

Best player at the moment: Virat Kohli. He’s a player who has been consistent and has hit a “golden” patch.

Best sporting moment you watched: Diego Maradona’s hand of God against England in the 1986 World Cup.

Other sports you play: Tennis

Favourite meal: Seafood – especially lobster, crabs and prawns.

Best thing about playing cricket here in UAE : It’s a leisure sport for me that keeps me fit.