Scotland stretched for clash
Fraser Watts has to miss the game due to work commitments
Scotland have patched up their squad for this week’s four-day ICC Intercontinental Cup match against Ireland in Belfast.
Work commitments have forced Fraser Watts, Qasim Sheikh, Gordon Drummond, Majid Haq and Omer Hussain to miss the match which starts on Thursday, leaving Scotland without five of the players who contributed to last week’s innings victory over Netherlands in Aberdeen.
Opening batsman Watts and Sheikh have been replaced by Neil MacRae and Steve Knox, while 20-year-old pace bowler Richie Berrington will make his competition debut in Drummond’s absence.
Medium-fast bowler Gordon Goudie, 19, comes into the squad and the former Middlesex academy player may have an important role to play.
Scotland will also have left-arm spinner Ross Lyons available. Lyons was selected in the squad for the Netherlands clash but missed out on the match XI.
Scotland captain Ryan Watson insisted: “This is still a strong team.
“We are fortunate to have the services of Gavin Hamilton, John Blain, Dewald Nel and Gordon Goudie, all with English county experience. And if our youngsters can come to the party, we will be delighted.”
Scotland squad: Ryan Watson (captain), Richie Berrington, John Blain, Gordon Goudie, Gavin Hamilton, Steve Knox, Ross Lyons, Neil McCallum, Neil MacRae, Colin Smith (wicket-keeper), Dewald Nel, Craig Wright.
