GRANT Bradburn has backed Scott Cameron to lead the next generation of Scottish talent and push his established international stars.
The Forfarshire youngster last week earned a surprise call into the squad for the first of two World Cricket League clashes with Namibia in Edinburgh today.
Pace bowler Cameron, who has come through the international youth ranks and featured in last year’s U19 World Cup squad, was drafted in following injuries to county pair Stuart Whittingham and Ruaidhri Smith.
Bradburn will have no hesitation in throwing the 20-year-old into action in the must-win encounters at The Grange.
The coach said: “The call-up to the full Scotland side may have come earlier than expected for Scott but it is deserved and a great honour for him. At a time when our depth of resources is being tested, it is fantastic to see a growing number of players coming through the Performance system and into national contention.
“Several young players are training regularly with the national squad and Scott heads a large group of young quick bowlers who we believe are ready for exposure to this level. He brings multi-skills and a calm head on young shoulders. He earns his place after an impressive pre-season and early performances for the Development and A teams.”
Scotland sit fourth in the WCL table with the top four progressing to a qualifying tournament for the 2019 World Cup. However, wins today and again on Tuesday would see them leap into second place and on course with matches against Papua New Guinea and Kenya to come.
Bradburn, whose side recorded an historic win over Sri Lanka last month, added: “We have been playing a dynamic brand of cricket in the 50-over format and the guys are getting their rewards.”
The sides go into today’s clash on the back of a rain-ravaged Intercontinental Cup match during the week which ended in a tame draw. However, Watsonians batsman George Munsey hit form with a brilliant unbeaten century on his first-class debut and may have played himself into contention for a place in today’s starting XI.
In domestic action yesterday, Western Premier champions Clydesdale suffered another setback in their title defence with defeat at Ayr, who romped to a 10-wicket success.
Without Scotland duo Richie Berrington and Con de Lange, the Titwood side could muster just 116 all out.
In reply Ayr cruised to the target, Kiwi Michael Papps leading the way with 75no and Neil Smith 35no.
Elsewhere, Uddingston maintained their challenge and condemned Kelburne to a sixth straight defeat at Bothwell Castle.
Gavin Bradley’s 51 helped Uddy post 152-8 from their 36 overs before Kelburne collapsed to 99 all out.
The matches at Ferguslie, Greenock and Poloc were all rained-off.
The Eastern Premier’s match of the day between joint leaders Arbroath and Grange also succumbed to the elements as did the clash between Falkland and Heriot’s.
Carlton failed to close the gap as they slipped to defeat against Forfarshire at Forthill, while Watsonians remain on the fringes of the title race after a comprehensive win over Glenrothes at Myreside. Aberdeenshire edged out SMRH by 14 runs at Mannofield.
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