Berrington’s game plan is to inspire a new generation

NEW Scotland men’s cricket captain Richie Berrington believes his team have a great chance over the next three weeks to ‘inspire the next generation’ of boys and girls to pick up a bat and ball.

In that spell, the team will play seven matches at home, starting today when the Scots take on Namibia in Glasgow in a Cricket World Cup League Two clash.

Berrington’s side will then meet Nepal twice and Namibia again before welcoming one of the world’s top sides — New Zealand — to Edinburgh for two T20s and a One-Day International later this month.

‘It is a brilliant run of fixtures and a great time to be a Scottish international cricketer,’ said Berrington, the 35-year-old all-rounder who plays for Clydesdale.

‘We had to bide our time for fixtures through the pandemic period, especially at home, but off the back of a positive showing in the T20 World Cup late last year and then a couple of good tours as a squad earlier this year, we feel we are in a good place.

‘We also have another series of matches to be played in Aberdeen in August — in the Cricket World Cup League Two — and, as players, we know that we have the chance to inspire the next generation and get youngsters excited about being part of the sport.

‘That is something pretty special, so we will be going out there over these next few weeks looking to build on our recent tour to Texas in the USA, which we learned a lot from while showing our passion for the game and desire to win.’

Berrington (right) made his ODI and T20 debuts for Scotland in 2008 and has played a record number matches for his country in all formats.

Throughout that time he has worked alongside Kyle Coetzer, the 38-year-old batter who recently handed the skipper’s duties on to his good friend and who will still be playing for the side going forward.

‘Kyle did a brilliant job as captain and he is still a massive part of this group as we prepare for the upcoming games,’ said Berrington, who will work closely with head coach Shane Burger in his new role. ‘I have learnt a lot of things from him about captaincy over the years. I will look to use that going forward while I am in the leadership role but I will also put my own stamp on things.

‘One of the main factors for me when I was asked to be captain was knowing that I have a great bunch of players around me who, as a group, are moving the national team forward.

‘There are also a number of good young players coming through and that helps all of us raise our levels.

‘It will be a proud moment for myself and my family when I lead the team out against Namibia — but all of the focus is on starting off the summer run of games with a win.’