Symes is desperate to shine for Scots

FEW people will have welcomed the belated arrival of the Scottish summer as much as Jean Symes.

The Saltires’ overseas star flew in from his native South Africa several weeks ago, yet the inclement weather had restricted him to one club match and a trio of rainaffected Clydesdale Bank 40 games prior to last Sunday’s 89-run defeat by Hampshire.

The all-rounder from Johannesburg picked up two wickets against Hants, before top-scoring with 33 in the Scots’ disappointing run chase. And he is desperate to make a telling impact — starting at Durham today.

‘You can’t control the weather but it has been frustrating that so many games have been restricted by the rain,’ said the 25-yearold left-arm spinner and middle-order batsman.

‘I came to the UK to experience different cricket conditions and, while the offer to play for Scotland was not the best one I had financially, the chance to play top-quality opposition at some English Test grounds was exciting.

‘The Scotland lads welcomed me with open arms but you just want to get playing.

‘It amazes me that one of the wettest countries in the world has so few indoor facilities.’

Symes, who is doubling up as Watsonian’s professional, added: ‘There are some serious players in the Scotland team with flair and ability. What marks them out as a dangerous side is they are young, so they will only get better.

‘The Hampshire defeat was disappointing but now we are focusing on the Durham game and I’m looking forward to playing at a Test venue.’