Cricket Scotland today announces a 16-man Lloyds TSB Scotland squad for the pre-season training camp in Namibia, followed by the ICC Intercontinental Cup game against the host country. The tour to Namibia is from March 26 to April 8, with the four-day match against Namibia to be played in Windhoek from April 4 to 7.
The playing squad includes Craig Wright and Gordon Drummond, who will fly to Namibia from South Africa, where they are coaching the national Under--15 and Under-- 20 squads on their respective tours. Due to work commitments, Glenn Rogers will join the squad just prior to the I Cup game.
The full squad is: Ryan Watson (Forfarshire, capt); Douglas Lockhart (West of Scotland); Fraser Watts (Carlton); Gavin Hamilton (East Brierly); Neil McCallum, Simon Smith (Grange); Majid Haq, Omer Hussain, John Blain (all Ferguslie); Craig Wright, Richie Berrington, Dewald Nel, Sean Weeraratna (all Greenock); Qasim Sheikh (Clydesdale); Glenn Rogers (Stenhousemuir), and Gordon Drummond (Watsonians).
Coach: Peter Steindl; Coaching Consultant: Adrian Birrell; Manager: Euan McIntyre; Strength and Conditioning Coach: Neil Elbourne
Dougie Brown (injured), Colin Smith (work commitments) and Navdeep Poonia (ineligible for the Intercontinental Cup competition) were unavailable for selection.
Dougie Lockhart is selected for the squad for the first time since last year's ICC World Cup, following his recovery from knee surgery. Prior to the tour, he will attend the ECC Academy tour of India, along with Richie Berrington, Scott Redhead (Stoneywood-Dyce) and Andy Hislop (Clydesdale).
Commenting on the trip, national coach Peter Steindl said: "The trip to Namibia has been planned as a pre--season training camp, followed by a very important Intercontinental Cup game with Namibia. The squad has been training hard indoors since early January and we are all looking forward to preparing for the season ahead in the warmth of Africa.Â
"The squad reflects our established players, but will also give opportunities to players such as Berrington, Hussain, Sheikh, Smith and Weeraratna to make an impression ahead of a full summer schedule."
Lisa Stephenson, Director of Marketing for Lloyds TSB Scotland said: “As long-term supporters of Scottish Cricket, we wish the team well in Namibia. The Intercontinental game marks the start of what we hope to be a very successful season for the team, culminating in an exciting Scotland v England One Day International in August, sponsored by Lloyds TSB Corporate Markets.