Scotland Unveils Squad for ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 Tri-Series in Nepal
Scotland's Squad Announcement
Scotland has revealed its 15-member team for the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWCL2) tri-series set to take place in Nepal. The squad features a first-time selection for spinner Ollie Jones, while batter Michael English makes a return for this significant tour.
Player Highlights
Ollie Jones receives his inaugural senior call-up following an impressive performance at the ICC Men's U19 World Cup earlier this year. Michael English, who previously played only one ODI in July 2024, made a notable comeback by scoring a match-winning 107 runs off 122 balls against Namibia, earning him the Player of the Match title.
Squad and Match Details
Under the leadership of Richie Berrington, Scotland will compete against the host nation Nepal and the top-ranked USA in a four-match series at the TU Cricket Ground in Kirtipur, Nepal. Currently, Scotland holds the second position in the CWCL2 standings with 34 points, aiming to narrow the gap with the USA and enhance their chances of qualifying for the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup Global Qualifier next year.
Key Players
Richie Berrington has scored 738 runs in the current cycle, leading a stable team that includes George Munsey, the top run-scorer for Scotland with 1049 runs, and Brandon McMullen, who has taken 35 wickets. The squad also welcomes back left-arm seamer Bradley Currie, who has claimed 32 wickets but missed the recent tour to Namibia due to illness. Notably, regular players Chris McBride and Mackenzie Jones are unavailable for this series.
Coach's Perspective
Head coach Owen Dawkins emphasized the significance of this tour, especially against formidable opponents and in challenging conditions. He expressed enthusiasm about playing in Nepal, a country known for its passionate cricket fans. Dawkins noted, "We are familiar with our hosts after competing against them in Dundee last summer and during the recent ICC T20 World Cup, which was an exciting match that we narrowly lost. Both Nepal and the USA are highly skilled teams, and we must perform at our best to secure victories against them."
Previous Visit
This marks Scotland's first trip to Nepal since February 2023, when they celebrated victory at the conclusion of a previous CWCL2 series.
Squad List
The squad includes: Richie Berrington (C), Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Jasper Davidson, Oliver Davidson, Michael English, Owen Gould, Jack Jarvis, Ollie Jones, Michael Leask, Finlay McCreath, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Mark Watt.
Match Schedule
Fixtures (all matches at TU Cricket Ground, Kirtipur):
1. May 12 - Scotland vs Nepal
2. May 14 - Scotland vs USA
3. May 18 - Scotland vs Nepal
4. May 20 - Scotland vs USA.