Smith makes stunning start to Scotland career

SCOTLAND recruit Ruaidhri Smith is on a fast-track to cricket’s Youth World Cup after scoring a sensational century on his debut.

Glasgow-born Smith, on the books at Glamorgan, was drafted into the under-19s tour of South Africa after bosses were tipped-off about his Scottish roots.

And the 17-year-old responded by hitting a match-winning 145 not out as Craig Wright’s youngsters opened their tour in thrilling style.

Needing 273 to beat North-west under-19s in Potchefstroom, the Scots looked to be heading for defeat when they plunged to 78-5.

However, Smith showed his class with 24 boundaries in his 126-ball knock as Scotland sealed a onewicket success.

The next highest scorer was Smith’swest Lothian namesake Kyle with 24.

Earlier Smith showed his all-round prowess by claiming three wickets, at a cost of 73 runs, while Forfarshire’s Aman Bailwal was the pick with 3-36.

Cricket Scotland operations manager Euan Mcintyre revealed: “Craig got the nod about Ruaidhri quite recently and we’ve heard nothing but good things about him.

“He attended school in Shrewsbury but the fact that he was born in Scotland means there is no eligibility issue.”

The young Scots, preparing for theworld Cup in Australia later this year, continue their tour against Northwestacademy today.

Tour match: North West 272-9 (P Knoetze 69, D Grobler 51no; R Smith 3-73, A Bailwal 3-36), Scotland u19 273-9 (R Smith 145 no; Pretorious 3-61, D Grobler 3-23). BERNIE ECCLESTONE yesterday promised Bahrain that Formula One will race in the Gulf kingdom for as long as the sport is needed.

Ahead of Bahrain’s return to the F1 calendar next month, Ecclestone was joined by a number of team principals for a lunch.

Bahrain International Circuit chairman Zayed R Alzayanir insisted Bahrain will be safe to visit and Ecclestone dismissed worries saying, “These people were brave enough to start an event in that part of the world. We’ll be there as long as they want us.”