Variation key for Blain

Scotland bowler John Blain is brimming with confidence and believes he can play a leading role in his side’s campaign in the ICC World Twenty20 qualifier to be held in Belfast from August 2-5.

“I know I can change the game on any given ball or given over. I have done it in the past and I am confident I can do it again, if required,” he said.

“Twenty20 is an exciting format and the general perception is it is a batsman-dominated format, but it is the bowlers who can turn the match on its head.

“However, to make it happen, you should know how to handle pressure, need to be confident of your abilities, have to be aggressive and continue to show variation in your bowling.”

The six associate countries will go head to head in the four-day tournament at Stormont. At stake will be two, or possibly three, places in the ICC World Twenty20 2009 being staged in England.

Both finalists will qualify for the tournament which will take place at Lord’s, the Oval and Trent Bridge next June.

The third place to be decided by a third and fourth-place play-off is dependent on Zimbabwe Cricket’s Board ratifying a decision taken by its officials during ICC annual conference week, to step back from the tournament.

John Blain is one of the most experienced Scotland players

Scotland is grouped with Ireland and Bermuda and takes on its top-seeded neighbours on the opening day.

Blain captained Scotland in the ICC U/19 Cricket World Cup in 1998, participated in the Commonwealth Games in Malaysia the same year, has appeared in two ICC Cricket World Cups in 1999 and 2007.

In total he has played 47 first-class matches, 21 ODIs and two Twenty20 internationals. These statistics make him one of the most experienced players in the Scotland side.

“I think experience has made me a more knowledgeable person in cricket terms. I have seen various situations with teams getting into serious troubles or pulling themselves out of those troubles,” the 29-year-old said.

“These experiences only make you a better and tougher sportsman. And now I am happy to carry this experience into this tournament and provide whatever assistance I can to my team and my captain.”

According to Blain, Scotland will enter the tournament in a positive frame of mind.

“We had a couple of excellent results in the ICC Intercontinental Cup where we convincingly beat Bermuda and Canada earlier this month and these victories can only give boost to our morale and confidence,” he confirmed.

“Twenty20 is quick and sharp but confidence is the key as none of the teams have enough experience of this format.

“Every time we step onto the field we go with a positive approach and with a game plan and the four days in Stormont will be no different.

“We know our strengths and weaknesses and I believe Scotland will qualify for the main event but where we will finish will obviously depend on how we play in these matches.”