MCMULLEN NAMED IN SCOTS WORLD CUP SQUAD

UNCAPPED all-rounder Brandon McMullen has been included in Scotland’s squad for the ICC T20 World Cup.

McMullen has been named in a 15-man pool which was selected in consultation with former international Moneeb Iqbal, who acted as a Scottish South Asian representative in the meeting. Richie Berrington will captain the side in Australia next month with wicketkeeper Matt Cross acting as his deputy.

McMullen impressed in the recent Regional series and in A-team matches with both bat and ball. The selection was finalised after the Men’s T20 Blitz cricket at Ayr and Clydesdale. Head coach Shane Burger said on the Cricket Scotland website: ‘It was good to see other younger players put performances in under pressure, and I have no doubt their opportunities will come in the not-too-distant future. ‘For us to have 40-plus names on the table for selection is testament to the system growing the talent base and providing the senior men’s team with options. ‘We have selected 15 that we believe will make the desired impact we are looking for. For those players who are not going to the World Cup, we look forward to seeing them challenging for international honours in years to come. ‘The squad has a blend of youth and experience alongside locally-based players and county representatives. The balance of the team and chemistry is crucial to contributing to performances at the World Cup.’

Cricket Scotland, which was recently the subject of a damning report into institutional racism, released a detailed rundown of the selection process and criteria.

Former captain George Salmond chaired the selectors while Iqbal was an advisor and the players had an observer in Scottish Cricketers Association representative Ken Godsman. Cricket Scotland’s interim head of performance, Toby Bailey, was also an observer. Burger and assistant Craig Wright plus batting consultant Steven Gilmour were the only three listed with voting rights. Bailey said: ‘I would like to thank George Salmond for chairing the selection meeting and Moneeb Iqbal for acting as an advisor.

‘These two roles provided thorough checks and useful challenges to the process, enabling Shane Burger and the selectors to pick the World Cup squad.’ Scotland take on the West Indies in their opening match in Hobart on October 17.

Scotland T20 World Cup squad: R Berrington (capt), M Cross (vice-capt), G Munsey, M Leask, B Wheal, C Sole, C Greaves, S Sharif, J Davey, C MacLeod, H Tahir, M Watt, B McMullen, M Jones, C Wallace.