Duo return to give Scotland bowling boost

Scotland have been boosted by the arrival of bowlers Chris Sole and Stuart Whittingham ahead of their crucial series in Dubai.

Hampshire seamer Sole and Sussex player Whittingham missed two one-day international wins over Papua New Guinea last week amid a row over International Cricket Council eligibility regulations.

Cricket Scotland says the pair were forced to “step down in order to safeguard their careers within the English county system”.

A statement added: “Following strong lobbying from some associate members to the ICC there has been a further amendment published to the ICC eligibility regulations that were revised on the 25th October 2017.

“A decision has been taken by the ICC to temporarily reverse the change to these regulations that was introduced to the stand-out period for male cricketers moving from an associate member to full member.

“As a consequence, both Sole and Whittingham have been able to take a decision in consultation with Cricket Scotland and their counties to rejoin the squad.”

Scotland close their Intercontinental Cup campaign against Ireland this week before facing Kenya twice in the World Cricket League Championship in games which will determine their hopes of making the World Cup qualifiers.