Scotland has officially unveiled a 17-member squad for its groundbreaking bilateral T20 series against Australia, set to take place in September. Following the thrilling encounter between the two teams in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 in June, where they faced off for the first time in T20 cricket history, Cricket Scotland and Cricket Australia (CA) have agreed to a three-match series. Richie Berrington, a seasoned cricketer, will lead the Scottish side.
The announcement is a significant milestone for Scotland, which has retained the core of the 15 players who participated in the T20 World Cup. Complementing this foundation, they have added two prolific performers from the Cricket World Cup League 2 (CWCL2) campaign—Jasper Davidson and Charlie Cassell, the latter known for his impressive ODI milestones.
Doug Watson, the head coach of the Scotland team, expressed his optimism and spoke highly of the new additions. “After their impressive outings in CWCL2, it’ll be great for Jasper and Charlie to gain the experience of playing against some of the best in front of a large crowd,” he stated. Watson added, “The key factor here is the level of competition within the team. I’ve got to give a special mention to Oli Hairs, who didn’t feature in the World Cup but delivered an outstanding 255 for Scotland ‘A’ against Oman. It was truly remarkable, and witnessing him at his best was fantastic.”
This historic three-match series kicks off on September 4 and will continue with games on the 6th and 7th. The matches will be hosted at the iconic Grange Cricket Club in Edinburgh, a venue that has witnessed numerous memorable cricketing moments.
Watson continued to emphasize the significance of this series for the team and its supporters. “The goal for us is to win this series. The first match is incredibly important—securing a win would set the pace for the next two encounters. This whole week is set to be a phenomenal experience for the squad, the staff, the fans, and for all of Scotland.”
Scotland’s squad for the series encompasses a blend of seasoned players and burgeoning talents. Alongside captain Richie Berrington, the team includes Jasper Davidson, Charlie Cassell, Matthew Cross, Bradley Currie, Chris Greaves, Oli Hairs, Jack Jarvis, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Brandon McMullen, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Chris Sole, Charlie Tear, Mark Watt, and Bradley Wheal.
The selection of these players reflects a strategy of nurturing talent while maintaining a solid core of experienced individuals.
. Matthew Cross, a steady hand behind the stumps and an adept batsman, brings versatility to the squad. Brad Currie’s seam bowling offers depth to the pace attack, and Michael Leask, known for his aggressive batting and handy off-spin, adds balance to the middle order.
Chris Greaves, who has shown promise with his leg-spin and lower-order batting, will be keen to make his mark. Similarly, Michael Jones and Jack Jarvis have impressed in domestic circuits and will be looking to replicate that form on the international stage. George Munsey, with his explosive top-order batting, has the potential to set the tone for Scotland in the powerplays.
Another exciting inclusion is Brandon McMullen, a talented all-rounder who has shown tremendous capability with both bat and ball. His performance will be crucial in providing the balance Scotland needs to compete effectively against Australia.
Notably, Safyaan Sharif will spearhead the fast-bowling contingent. His experience and ability to swing the ball will be pivotal, especially in the initial overs and the death. Chris Sole, another pacer, brings raw pace and aggression, complementing Sharif’s expertise.
The young Charlie Tear is a promising wicket-keeper batsman who has caught the eye with his performances in the domestic arena. His inclusion is a testament to the selectors’ vision of preparing for the future while staying competitive in the present.
Reflecting on the goals and aspirations of the series, Watson was unequivocal in his determination. “Winning the series is paramount,” he said. “Starting strong in the first match is critical—it sets the tone for the remaining games. Regardless of the outcomes, the experiences and lessons gained from this series will be invaluable for everyone involved.”
The announcement of Scotland’s squad has stirred excitement and anticipation among cricket enthusiasts across the country. As the series approaches, all eyes will be on the Grange Cricket Club, ready to witness this historic clash between Scotland and Australia. Cricket Scotland aims to not just compete, but to secure wins and create lasting memories in what promises to be a landmark series for Scottish cricket.
