England travel to the UAE in a few weeks to take on Pakistan in an environment that has been very good to Misbhar-ul-Haq's Test team. The conditions will force England to have to pick a 2nd spinner to support Moeen Ali. This is likely to be the multi-talented Adil Rashid.

Some would see the selection of Adil as direct competition to Moeen. Some will say that Ali has been England's only spin option for just over a year and a half and now he has a direct threat.

However, I don't see it like that at all. To me, this is both Moeen's and England's biggest opportunity to take the World of Test Cricket by storm.

To me he is a fantastic batter who can bowl well as opposed to a front line Test spinner who can counter-attack with the bat from number eight. Ultimately, England could be accused of wasting his talent batting so low when their top and middle order have not always been firing.

The inclusion of a second spinner provides England with an opportunity to leave one of the inconsistent batters out and to push Moeen up the order. Then slot the capable Rashid in at number eight.

The English press are speculating that Ali should open the batting with Captain Cook but I would resist that option as I don't see it being a long term option.

Alex Hales should be given a chance to open up with the bat with Ali at five. Ali is a developing player against spin and an excellent player of fast bowling when it isn't directed at his head. I know that he is working hard on this aspect of his game.

The UAE wickets will suit him as the bounce is not excessive. However, opening the batting in South Africa would expose him to a new ball and two fantastic bowlers - Steyn and Morkel - on bouncier wickets than in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

I know what you are going to say, why would he have to open in South Africa as England will only need one spinner over there?

You’re impatient. You want success and you want it fast.

But batting is frustrating: You lack opportunities to practice and play in ways that help you improve. Even when you do get your chance you get a great ball first up and have to wait a week for another bat.

So here are six ways you can make to most of the chances you have and get ahead of the crowd to become a top-quality batsman in as short a time as possible.

1. Keep it Simple

Batting styles differ wildly, but one thing remains simple and true: Classy bastmen are world-class in the basics.

• They have a setup that keeps their head still, eyes level and move to the ball in good alignment.
• They are ready and focused on the ball as it is released.
• They have confidence in their game-plan.

So the first thing you need to look at is your setup, backswing and initial movement. Most people think they have it licked.

Spend time in the nets and be totally sure about it. Get someone to watch it or video yourself.

Where is you backlift going?

Are your eyes level?

Is your trigger move keeping you aligned?

To help, here is a worksheet to download and take to nets. Use deliberate practice and that sheet to start making a super quick difference.

Closing date: 2nd October 2015

Lord's Taverners, in association with Bedfordshire Cricket, is currently looking for a Wicketz Cricket Development Officer who will be responsible for engaging young people from areas of deprivation into becoming active members of a Community Wicketz Cricket Club.

Closing date: 25th September 2015

Marlborough College is seeking to appoint an outstanding cricket coach for January 2016 or April 2016. The successful candidate is likely to have played and/or coached at first-class level and be passionate about translating their experience to College pupils.

Closing date: 17th September 2015

Closing date: 21st September 2015

CONTRACT – Part time position – permanent contract

HOURS – 15 hours per week (two days per week)

SALARY – £15,000 per annum pro rata + Expenses

I really hope a dragon slayer destroys these cricket myths soon.

They are dragons that stop perfectly decent players doing a good job. Instead of a focus on the powerful things we can do to improve our game, we cower, afraid of the excuse dragons. It's time to go out with swords of truth to hunt every one down.

If you have ever said - or thought - any of the following it's OK to admit it. We all have at some point. This is a place where we can start again and get to the slaying.

So let's slay these dragons:

Inspired by Mark Garaway's standing up drills, I did some work with some wicketkeepers on standing up to seamers.

We duly set up a drill with a bowling machine to work on leg side takes.

The machine was previously set up for right arm over, pitching on off stump, so rather than adjust the machine we:

Closing date: 15th September 2015

Our vision is ‘To become the leading non-International Cricket Club by 2019’   
Established in 1879, Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) is one of the nation’s 18 first class cricket counties and operates within the sports and entertainment industry. Since September 2014, LCCC has embarked on a period of significant change, resulting in the recruitment of a new Chief Executive, Head Coach and Club Captain - signalling an exciting new era in the history of the club. 

Closing date: 15th September 2015

Our vision is ‘To become the leading non-International Cricket Club by 2019’   
Established in 1879, Leicestershire County Cricket Club (LCCC) is one of the nation’s 18 first class cricket counties and operates within the sports and entertainment industry. Since September 2014, LCCC has embarked on a period of significant change, resulting in the recruitment of a new Chief Executive, Head Coach and Club Captain - signalling an exciting new era in the history of the club.