Scotland to play Tri-Series with UAE and Ireland ahead of ICC World Cup Qualifier

The Scotland cricket team is all set to return to the United Arab Emirates in the new year to face Ireland and the UAE in a Tri-Series. The tour will act as a preparatory ground to provide some valuable preparation after ahead of the ICC World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe which will be held in March 2018. The Scots secured their place in the Qualifiers by finishing second in the ICC World Cricket League.

Kyle Coetzer, who enjoyed a bumper year with the bat will once again skipper the side.  Scotland’s captain scored the highest number of runs ever in 2017, the most by a Scotland player in a calendar year, and in fewer innings than the next seven best totals. Scotland coach Grant Bradburn said on the announcement, “We are very grateful to have the opportunity to play this Tri Series in Dubai against two quality sides as an excellent build-up to the WC Qualifier in Zimbabwe in March 2018. Michael Jones, Tom Sole, and Scott Cameron will add freshness and youth to the squad. It is excellent to be including new young players who all have outstanding skills to offer and have earned their opportunities through consistent performances in 2017.

Scotland team to bear a new look

The Scotland team will be bearing a new look with a couple of uncapped players getting their debut chance. Michael Jones receives his first call-up to the national squad after a number of notable performances for Scotland ‘A’, scoring big hundreds for and against Durham 2XI in 2017. Tom Sole also features in the national squad for the first time after making excellent progress with his county Northamptonshire.

There will also be an opportunity for seamer Scott Cameron to add to his maiden Scotland cap following his debut against the MCC at Lord’s in the summer of 2017.

The tour itinerary consist of two One Day International matches against Ireland (16th and 18th January) and UAE (21st and 23rd January) at the quality facilities of the ICC Academy in Dubai.

Tri-Series Squad:

Kyle Coetzer (captain), Richie Berrington, Scott Cameron, Matthew Cross, Alasdair Evans, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Calum MacLeod, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Tom Sole, Craig Wallace, Mark Watt, Stuart Whittingham.

Scotland’s UAE Tour Fixtures:

16 January 2018 – ODI, Scotland v Ireland, ICC Academy
18 January 2018 – ODI, Scotland v Ireland, ICC Academy
21 January 2018 – ODI, UAE v Scotland, ICC Academy
23 January 2018 – ODI, UAE v Scotland, ICC Academy