Burger to step down as Scotland head coach

SHANE BURGER is stepping down as Scotland head coach to take up a position at Somerset County Cricket Club.

Cricket Scotland announced the South African would quit at the end of February to become assistant coach and lead batting coach in Taunton.

The 40- year- old took over the Scotland side in March 2019 and is on course to secure top spot in the ICC Cricket World Cup League 2 next month.

He led them to the Super 12s stage at the T20 World Cup in 2021 thanks to three pool victories and Scotland beat West Indies at the 2022 event.

“The journey has been a rewarding one both on and off the field for this group and to have played a role in that journey is something I am incredibly proud of,” Burger said.

“There have been many challenges thrown along the way, but we have managed to navigate our way through these and achieve some fantastic results.

“I am excited to be moving onto to a new adventure with Somerset where I will be taking on a different role and have no doubt it will keep developing me as a coach and person.”

Cricket Scotland’s interim head of performance Toby Bailey thanked Burger for his hard work and added: “He has continued the development of the men’s national team and it is clear that beating full- member nations is no longer a shock.

“The team has moved onto new levels under his tenure and he leaves the team in a great position going into an exciting season with two ICC World Cup qualifications to play for.

“Our search for a new head coach is already under way and we hope to make an appointment in good time for the summer fixtures.”

Looking ahead to his new job, Burger told Somerset’s website: “I have enjoyed every moment of my time with Cricket Scotland, but at this stage of my career, I felt that this opportunity at Somerset was something that I couldn’t ignore.

“They have an excellent crop of batters and I look forward to helping achieve their goals within the game.

“Somerset has an outstanding reputation, and I am excited by what the next two years has in store for myself and also the club as a whole.”