Jones and Wheal in provisional Scotland squad for T20 World Cup

DURHAM batter Michael Jones and Hampshire seamer Brad Wheal have been named in Scotland’s provisional squad for this summer’s T20 World Cup in West Indies and USA.

The pair have been included in a 15-man party for the tournament, in which the Scots, under captain Richie Berrington, will face England, Namibia, Oman, and Australia in Group B.

Scotland open their campaign in a mouth-watering clash against England in Bridgetown on Tuesday, June 4.

Head coach Doug Watson said: “It was a really difficult selection meeting, and it’s never easy getting it down to a squad of 15. I think it was ultimately about getting the balance of the squad just right and we feel we’ve done that here.

“It’s good that we’ve got some of our county players available, and we are really excited with the 15 we’ve chosen, so now we can look forward to what lies ahead.

“To have Michael Jones and Brad Wheal available, their experience from previous T20 World Cups is crucial for the group. I’m looking forward to meeting them both, getting to know them and seeing their skills up close.

“That first game against England, it’ll be quite a day – but we won’t look too far ahead. We’ll just ensure that we prepare well as a team, and individually, to represent Scotland as best we can.”

The squad is due to leave for Trinidad and Tobago, where they will complete their preparations and play two warm-up games, on Sunday, May 26 before heading for Barbados.

Scotland’s provisional squad for T20 World Cup: Richie Berrington (captain), Matthew Cross, Brad Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask,

Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, Brad Wheal.

Concerns about a terrorism threat at the tournament in the Caribbean have been played down by the International Cricket Council and Cricket West Indies.

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley revealed there was a potential security threat at the event which runs from June 1-29 and is being co-hosted by the West Indies and the United States.

But in a joint statement, the ICC and CWI said: “We want to assure all stakeholders that safety and security of everyone at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup is our No.1 priority.”