Photo Credit: LinkedIn Profile Photo of George Munsey
The Scotland Men’s squad has been confirmed today for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup Europe Qualifier, running from July 20 until July 28 in Edinburgh.
There are three changes from the recent touring party to Zimbabwe which narrowly missed out on qualification for the ODI World Cup in India. Brad Currie, Oli Hairs and Gavin Main come into the squad, replacing Alasdair Evans, Chris McBride and Adrian Neill.
Brad Currie is in line to win his first Scotland cap, following his recent performances for Sussex Sharks in their T20 Vitality Blast campaign. He was included in the Scotland squad that travelled to the USA in 2022 but is yet to make his international debut.
Meanwhile Oli Hairs is back after reversing his decision from earlier this year to retire from international cricket. Having made his Scotland debut in 2010 as a teenager, the Watsonian’s man brings plenty of experience on his return to the squad.
Finally, there is a recall for Gavin Main, who enjoyed a fine 2022 for his country but is yet to play international cricket in 2023, with his most recent T20 appearance for Scotland against New Zealand last July.
A number of players with county contracts were considered for selection but were unavailable due to their commitments in domestic cricket.
Scotland begin their campaign on Thursday against Germany at Goldenacre, the first of six games across nine days as they look to qualify for the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA.
Richie Berrington is poised to reach a major milestone during the tournament, as he currently sits on 298 caps for Scotland. The Scotland captain is likely to reach the landmark of 300 – the first Scot ever to do so – in the match against Jersey on Friday July 21.
Toby Bailey, Cricket Scotland’s Interim Head of Performance, said:
“Richie has been an ever-present in the side during the last decade and has been involved in some remarkable victories for the Scotland men’s team.
“He is an incredible leader on and off the park and is one of the main reasons the team has moved onto new levels in the last ten years. To reach 300 caps will be a remarkable achievement.”
Scotland Interim Head Coach, Doug Watson, said:
“For Richie to be approaching 300 caps for his country is a fantastic achievement, and he is fully deserving of the recognition he will receive.
“He’s an incredible man and a great leader, extremely thoughtful and calm, and very selfless. He always puts his team first, and this was demonstrated in Zimbabwe recently where he was phenomenal throughout the tournament and led from the front. It’s been a privilege to get to know him as a person and as a captain.”
“In terms of this tournament, I’m really excited to be back in Scotland! The backing the squad received during our time in Zimbabwe was incredible, and we can’t wait to perform in front of our supporters here over the next two weeks as we try to reach another World Cup.
“The selection was incredibly tough as always, but the three players coming in should provide freshness and energy to the group. It’s great to have Gavin available to us again, while Oli has forced his way back in on the back of some good performances recently and gives us a real powerful option at the top of the order.
“Brad brings a point of difference to the attack being a left-arm paceman, and his ability in the field has been clear to see in recent weeks with Sussex! We’re looking forward to seeing what he can do in a Scotland shirt.”
Doug will be assisted during the tournament by a new backroom team that includes coaches Steven Gilmour, Moneeb Iqbal and Andy McKay, and physio David Kershaw.
Scotland Men’s Squad
Richie Berrington (captain)
Matthew Cross
Bradley Currie
Chris Greaves
Oli Hairs
Jack Jarvis
Michael Leask
Tom Mackintosh
Gavin Main
Brandon McMullen
George Munsey
Safyaan Sharif
Chris Sole
Hamza Tahir
Mark Watt
