The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Key Scotland trio hit by rule change
Davey, Whittingham and Sole omitted from squad ahead of key World Cricket League matches
Frustrated Scotland chiefs have lost three of their leading players due to a change in ICC eligibility rules.
Yesterday County-based stars Josh Davey, Stuart Whittingham and Chris Sole were all omitted from the squad to fly to Dubai today for a crucial World Cricket League double-header against Kenya.
Cricket Scotland say the trio have been forced to make themselves unavailable after the ICC last month brought in a new regulation meaning that players who play for an Associate country can no longer move immediately to a Full Member nation and must instead serve a three-year stand-down period.
With counties now given sizeable financial incentives to produce new England caps, it is understood the players came under pressure from their employers to reach their decision.
A CS statement said: “A number of players currently playing in the English county system have been forced to make themselves unavailable for selection at this time in order to safeguard their county careers.
“Cricket Scotland is currently seeking clarification on the ICC rule changes and implications for all players furthering their playing careers outside Scotland.
“We continue to work closely with the players, their respective counties and the ECB.”
In the past, Anglo-Scots like Dougie Brown and Gavin Hamilton moved straight from playing for the country of their birth to representing England and then had to serve a three-year period before requalifying for Scotland.
Now the three-year period applies in both directions.
The loss of Davey, Whittingham and Sole is a huge blow to Scotland as they prepare to face Papua New Guinea in two one-day internationals and Ireland in an Intercontinental Cup fixture before the Kenya games which will determine whether the country reaches next year’s World Cup qualifier.
However, coach Grant Bradburn insists his squad – featuring three new caps – will be focused on the job in hand.
Bradburn has called-up Ferguslie’s Michael English and Mitchell Rao of Prestwick along with SMRH bowler Elliot Ruthven.
The coach said: “Any distractions must not take away from delivering on the field which we are ready to do.
“Many of the players are feeling a range of emotions which is understandable.
“However, times of adversity will often bring out the fighting character within. Our team will be united in wanting to use our challenging build-up to create even greater resolve in playing outstanding cricket in Dubai.”
Bradburn added: “It is one of the privileges as head coach to phone a new player to let him know he’s been selected to play for his country.
“All three are buzzing and so excited to be selected. While their call may have come earlier than expected they are well capable of taking this opportunity with both hands.”
The Scots open their tour against PNG at the Dubai International Stadium on Friday before facing the Irish from November 29 to December 2.
The Kenya matches on December 6 and 8 are the priority, however, when one win will ensure a top-four finish in the World Cricket League and a place in next year’s World Cup Qualifier.
Squad: K Coetzer (captain), C de Lange, A Evans, C MacLeod, CWallace, E Ruthven, G Munsey, MWatt, M Cross, M English, M Leask, M Rao, R Berrington, S Sharif.