Scotland victory a reminder of class...

PERHAPS it was very Scottish to make history while the eyes of the cricketing world were elsewhere. But Scotland’s one-day international victory over Zimbabwe, their first ever, was deeply significant.

For it showed how the Associates’ progress is not confined to Afghanistan and Ireland. Scotland are rising too, just as they proved by thumping a full-strength Sri Lankan side in a 50-over match last month, played according to full ODI rules yet ludicrously not an official ODI, because Beckenham, where the game was played, lacked ODI status. Both their victories against Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe came with significantly under-strength teams.

This historic day would surely have come long ago if Full Members and Associates did not operate largely in separate worlds: Scotland’s win over Zimbabwe came in the first ever ODI between the two teams, which says everything you need to know about cricket’s approach to globalisation.

Scotland’s victory was a reminder that, if cricket was genuinely committed to expanding the number of competitive teams – which the ICC claims is its governing principle – it would divide up the ICC’s cash far more equitably. Consider this: Scotland receive just over £1 million a year from the ICC. Zimbabwe receive about seven times as much. Investing more in Associate members, then, and a bit less in existing Full Members, could transform the amount of depth in the world game.

More than anything, Scotland’s win was a reminder that, even as Afghanistan and Ireland enjoy new opportunities, the rest of the Associate world cannot be forgotten. Associates have done stirring work to lift themselves up, but there is no substitute for playing matches. Scotland’s victory came in their first ODI against a Test nation since the 2015 World Cup, since when Zimbabwe had played 23 such ODIs: a chasm not reflected on the field.

Scotland, of course, have a long way to go to lift themselves up. Most obviously they need consistency: this summer, they have beaten Sri Lanka, Namibia and Zimbabwe in the first games of series, only to lose the second and final clash in each. But they have shown plenty to suggest that, with more opportunities and cash, they have ample potential.