Scotland to finish what they started in T20 World Cup England clash

With Jones five short of a half-century and Munsey just four runs behind him, the Scots looked well placed to go on and make a sizable total and challenge England to overhaul it.

Whether they might have been celebrating a seismic win come the end of the countries’ first ever T20I meeting will, however, need to remain in the realms of the hypothetical.

Just as Scotland were getting into their stride, the skies opened above Barbados, initially reducing the match to 10 overs a side before it was abandoned entirely.

Scotland’s late entry into this year’s World Cup has presented them with another chance to get one over the Auld Enemy when they meet in Kolkata this weekend. And Jones says they can take on that challenge with no fear as they look to get the job completed this time around.

The Lancashire batter said: “You never know which way the result might have gone if we were able to play out that game, whether it would have stayed a 20-over game or even the 10-over game that it initially got reduced to.

"Munz and I got off to a really good start but it feels like a lot of the time when I play for Scotland the weather intervenes, which was just unfortunate that day.

“I would have liked to have seen how it would have played out. It was frustrating that couldn't be the case but hopefully we can replicate something similar on Saturday.

“Hopefully Munz and I can get off to a really good start and we can show against England that we're a proper side.

“We don't fear anyone. We back ourselves and the skills that we have. We put up a decent fight the last time and obviously beat them before in the 50-over stuff (in 2018). So, why not?

“Hopefully things go our way and we can showcase the skills that we have in that game and give them a good battle. And come out on the right side of the result.

“The stadium wasn't full on Monday (against Italy) but there was still a bit of an atmosphere. I'd expect a few more for the England-Scotland game and we all love going in front of a crowd, that's why we do it. England always have the Barmy Army there which makes it a hell of a lot of fun. So, the more the merrier.”

Munsey and Jones certainly showed what they were capable of against Italy, putting together a stand of 126 for the opening wicket that helped send Scotland on their way to a vital win.

And with power-hitting Munsey spraying the ball to all corners of the ground on his way to making 84, his opening partner was happy to play a supporting role at the other end.

“I was just trying to get Munz on strike, really, and let him do his thing because he was doing so well. So I felt that was my role on Monday.

“It's always good fun batting with Munz because he's got such a broad skill set. He’s got all sorts of power and can hit the ball in different areas as well. So, I think we complement each other well as a team.”

Ormskirk-born Jones, whose mum is Scottish, isn’t always available to Scotland due to his county commitments having moved from Durham to Lancashire last year.

He watched from a distance last summer as the team initially failed to qualify for this World Cup but couldn’t wait to rush to pack his kit once Scotland were awarded a late place when Bangladesh withdrew.

“I absolutely love the passion and enjoyment you get from playing for Scotland,” he adds. “So, whenever I'm available, I'll always try and play. It's obviously difficult in the summer when it's clashing with county fixtures, but if there is a gap, then I'll definitely try and make myself available.

“Last summer, I couldn’t be involved with the qualifiers as I was playing for Lancashire in the Blast. I could only watch from afar and that was obviously hugely disappointing for everyone not to have made it here on merit if you like.

“But then to have got the call-up last minute….the boys were always ready. We’re all pretty fresh. I still feel like now I'm here and had a week or so to train and get used to the surroundings. I'm fully ready to go. The tournament has started and we’re just going to attack it, be aggressive and do our best.”