Former England bowler says Ramadan is 'tough'

A former England bowler who is now a coach with Lancashire county cricket club has said Ramadan fasting is "tough".

Kabir Ali played one Test and 14 One-Day Internationals for England between 2003 and 2006.

The 45-year-old has just been appointed bowling coach with Lancashire, the team he had two seasons with at the end of his career.

Ali said he always had yoghurt and "plenty of water" to help him get through a day of fasting.

Muslims around the world are currently observing the Islamic holy month of Ramadan by not eating or drinking during daylight hours.

The bowling coach told BBC Radio Lancashire: "It's obviously tough but if you're sensible you can get through the day

"It is essential you get the right fluids, but if you have a busy day it's quite tough.

"But your fellow coaches and players look after you.

"They won't go as hard as they know you are going through the month of Ramadan.

"At the same time, you have to be sensible yourself."

Ali has just been at the club for a few weeks but says "there is a good crop of young bowlers" at the club, alongside Sir Jimmy Anderson.

The end of Ramadan is marked by the day of Eid, which will take place on 20 or 21 March - depending on the sighting of the new moon - when celebrations take place with families and friends and gifts are exchanged.

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