Picture Credit: IPL/BCCI
The preparations for the 2021 Abu Dhabi T10 League have begun in full swing as teams are forming their squads ahead of the new season. Among all the sides, Team Abu Dhabi have probably been one of the most active franchises who have got in quite a few exciting names in their roster. The arrival of players like Colin Ingram, Marchant de Lange, Danny Briggs, Phil Salt and Fidel Edwards had already bolstered their squad.
Amid all the interesting signings, the franchise also bagged English all-rounder Liam Livingstone which is something that fans would be really excited about in the new season. Team Abu Dhabi have seen quite a few changes in their backroom staff as well with Paul Farbrace being appointed as the new coach. The 54-year-old, who has been at the helm of these new signings, looked quite delighted especially with the arrival of Livingstone.
He is destructive, he’s desperate to succeed: Farbrace on Livingstone
“Liam Livingstone is the new name on everyone’s lips, he’s the one that everyone in England is talking about as the bloke that can play a fundamental part in the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and I’m excited that he’s in our team. He is destructive, he’s desperate to succeed, and we’re really lucky that the name that’s on everyone’s lips is in our team,” said Farbrace about his side's new recruit.
Although the all-rounder did not have a great IPL season with Rajasthan Royals, he was one of the most impressive players in the inaugural edition of The Hundred, where he scored 348 runs in 9 matches at a destructive strike rate of 178.46.
Team Abu Dhabi retain the services of Chris Gayle
In an interesting move, the franchise also decided to retain the services of Chris Gayle, despite the Universe Boss not being at the peak of his powers in the twilight of his career. However, the team's new coach opined that Gayle's experience would be crucial for his side as he will inspire the team to perform to the best of their abilities.
“We’ve got someone who not only do we know will win us a couple of games, but he will inspire the team to win games, too, because there will be players in our team who have looked up to him for many years as a batting idol and they will want to impress him. I’ve been on the wrong end of far too many Chris Gayle onslaughts so it will be lovely to sit back, watch him and enjoy having him in our team for the first time in my career," Farbrace added.
Team Abu Dhabi squad for 2021 season
Chris Benjamin, Danny Briggs, Ahmed Daniyal, Fidel Edwards, Muhammad Farazuddin, Chris Gayle, Colin Ingram, Marchant de Lange, Liam Livingstone, Obed Mccoy, Rohan Mustafa, Naveen-ul-Haq, Phil Salt, Paul Stirling.