2007 Cricket World Cup Squad Preview - Scotland

by user Alex Holowczak

Scotland have traditionally been overshadowed by their English neighbours, and have only appeared once at the Cricket World Cup. Scotland are probably the Number 2 non-Test side behind Kenya, and will look to cause an upset in this World Cup.

They are drawn in the “Group of Death” Group A, with favourites Australia and South Africa, as well as another strong ICC member, the Netherlands. Realistically, they are playing for third against the Netherlands, but if it rains, and a bit of luck goes their way they might sneak through. They are the worst of the four nations in this group, but not by much – they will be competitive against the Netherlands, if not the Test sides.

Craig Wright

Type: All Rounder, Captain
Wright is a great leader of his country. He is a strong bowler, and a player that is has been good in One Day cricket in England. He is a good slugger lower down the order, and his performance will be vital to the Scottish cause.

Jon Blain

Type: Bowler
Blain is a useful bowler, that has played a lot of First Class cricket in England – an experience many other players do not have in the non-Test arena. Could be an important member of this squad, but libel to be hit against the Test nations.

Dougie Brown

Type: All Rounder
Brown is probably the most successful Scot in the team. A good bowler and a useful batsman that was nearly selected for England earlier in his career, Brown has been a mainstay of the Warwickshire team for the past 15 years.

Gavin Hamilton

Type: All Rounder
Hamilton was once an exciting prospect, but at just 30 he called to an end his professional career after his bowling ceased due to a bout of the yips. Hamilton is still a good batsman, and still plays for Scotland.

Majid Haq

Type: All Rounder
Haq has been a solid if not inspired Scot, he may struggle against the stronger nations in the group.

Paul Hoffman

Type: Bowler
This will probably be Hoffman’s last World Cup, but he is still a strong bowler with good statistics. He has developed into a good late innings hitter too.

Douglas Lockhart

Type: Batsman, Wicketkeeper
A good ‘keeper that has overperformed so far in his career, Lockhart is nonetheless a useful addition to this squad.

Ross Lyons

Type: Bowler
Lyons is a decent slow bowler for Scotland, and can hit the ball quite a high strike rate with the bat too.

Neil McCallum

Type: Batsman
McCallum has so far not excelled on the world stage, but he will doubtless be a useful player in this tournament.

Dewald Nel

Type: Bowler
Nel hasn’t shown much quality against top notch opposition yet, but he’ll have to step his game up if Scotland are to compete.

Navdeep Poonia

Type: Batsman (opener)
Poonia plays first-class cricket for Warwickshire, where he is highly regarded. Still a youngster, this may be too early for him – but he is one for the future.

Glenn Rogers

Type: Bowler
An attacking spinner, Rogers is likely to be the Number 1 come the World Cup in the West Indies.

Colin Smith

Type: Batsman, Wicketkeeper
Scotland’s Number 1 wicketkeeper for the World Cup, he will have to face off competition from Lockhart for the place in the side.

Fraser Watts

Type: Batsman
One of Scotland’s best batsman, Watts will need to be on top form if Scotland are to pose a threat.

Ryan Watson

Type: All Rounder
Without a doubt their best batsman, and a useful if not inspired bowler, Watson will need to be firing on all cyclinders if Scotland are to have a chance. Bowls useful seamers.

Strengths

• County experience – something other non-Test sides don’t have
• Aura amongst non-Test sides

Weaknesses

• No stars
• Batting and bowling lacks depth of quality
• Aging side

Verdict

The Scots are the worst team in Group A on paper, and could come last in their group. That said, they could easily beat the Netherlands, but rain would certainly assist the Scottish cause.

Davis21wylieMVP

1019 days ago

Score 2

Nice template!

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