TOM Sole has yet to make his full international debut, but he has already set his sights on helping Scotland qualify for next year’s World Cup.
The Northants spinner and hard-hitting lower order batsman is likely to earn his first cap during the Tri-Series with Ireland and UAE in Dubai during the next fortnight after a string of promising performances for his county’s second XI and the Eastern Knights in the Cricket Scotland Pro50 and T20 Blitz.
The Scots take on Ireland on Tuesday and Thursday before facing the hosts next Sunday and the following Tuesday and, should Sole be handed a start, he is determined to take his chance.
“It is a great opportunity for me to showcase what I can do and hopefully earn the chance to play in the World Cup Qualifier in Zimbabwe,” said the 21-year-old who has elected for jersey No90 in honour of his dad, David, who captained Scotland’s rugby team to the Grand Slam in 1990.
“What better way to put my name forward than by putting in good performances against Ireland and UAE. It’s brilliant that my hard work has paid off.”
Sole will do well to replicate his first XI debut for Northants last season when he claimed the wicket of Hashim Amla before thumping 54 from only 43 balls as the county went down to South Africa.
“I loved that experience and took a lot of confidence from it. Hopefully I can do something similar for Scotland,” he said.
Coach Grant Bradburn is delighted to be able to give Sole, and fellow newcomer Michael Jones, the young Durham opening batsman, their chance.
“Tom and Michael will add freshness and youth to the squad,” he said. “It is excellent to be including new young players who have outstanding skills and have earned their opportunities through consistent performances. We will try players in a variety of positions but our main focus is to refine our plans to qualify for the World Cup.”
Sole’s older brother Chris misses the trip along with Brad Wheal, who have county commitments with Hampshire while Dylan Budge is playing in New Zealand and Con de Lange is unavailable. Richie Berrington will captain the side for the first time against Ireland before regular skipper Kyle Coetzer arrives to take the reins against UAE after completing Level 4 coaching exams.
Tri-Series Squad: Kyle Coetzer (captain), Richie Berrington, Scott Cameron, Matthew Cross, Alasdair Evans, Michael Jones, Michael Leask, Calum MacLeod, George Munsey, Safyaan Sharif, Tom Sole, Craig Wallace, Mark Watt, Stuart Whittingham.
Scotland’s UAE Tour Fixtures:
16 January 2018 – ODI, Scotland v Ireland, ICC Academy
18 January 2018 – ODI, Scotland v Ireland, ICC Academy
21 January 2018 – ODI, UAE v Scotland, ICC Academy
23 January 2018 – ODI, UAE v Scotland, ICC Academy
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