Proud Haq says cousin’s cap call ‘fully deserved’

Majid Haq last night welcomed the promotion of Hamza Tahir to the full Scotland squad for the first time and backed his cousin to maintain the family tradition of cap success.

Ferguslie left-arm spinner Tahir is in the squad to face Pakistan in a Twenty20 double header in Edinburgh next Tuesday and Wednesday and Haq, the country’s leading wicket-taker, said: “I am absolutely delighted for Hamza.

“He is a quality spinner and has been knocking on the door for the last couple of seasons so it’s fully deserved.”

Omer Hussain, another of Haq’s cousins, also played for Scotland while a further family member Haroon Tahir is on the fringes of the national squad.

Haq added: “We are a very close family and are extremely proud of Hamza. It will be great to have him join myself and Omer as full caps. I’m sure there will be an army of supporters through from Paisley to boost the ticket sales and cheer him on.”

Meanwhile, Craig Wallace, omitted from the ODI squad

0 Majid Haq: Top wicket-taker. to face England on Sunday, is recalled to the T20 squad while Michael Jones and Preston Mommsen drop out.

Skipper Kyle Coetzer said: “Facing the number one T20 side in the world will be a huge occasion – not just for the playing squad but for the Cricket Scotland organisation as a whole.

“We need to be sure we are ready to soak up the special days and not be afraid to approach the games with our attacking and expressive style of play.

The same 15-man squad will travel to Holland later next week for a T20 Tri Series against the hosts and Ireland.