Keep your clothes on at the cricket

There will be no skin on show at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi, where spectators have been told to observe a strict dress code during the second Test between Pakistan and England. The message was clearly spelt out – “Dress code is very simple. Just keep your clothes on.” That means the 500-strong Barmy Army, particularly those in the grass banks, will not be able to enjoy a tan at the driest Test ground in the world.

The rules had been more flexible in Dubai, the venue for the first Test. Nevertheless, the Barmy Army wasn’t complaining. "The fans from England will follow and respect the rules," said Barmy Army Colts tour operator Mark Stears. "They will not be taking their tops off like they do elsewhere in the world because of the dress code."