THE perception that Scotland “isn’t a cricket country” was well and truly obliterated on a warm summer’s day last June. Granted, a victory over England in any sport at any level will always be celebrated with wild abandon, but the depth of feeling that swept out from the Grange in Edinburgh and across a gleeful nation told a different story. Beating the leading ODI [one day international] team in world cricket was a significant landmark in the ongoing development of the game in this country.
At home in South Africa, Shane Burger noted the achievement but thought little more of it. Six months later, however, it suddenly took on greater relevance. Nominated as a candidate for the head coach vacancy of that same national team, the 36-year-old did his homework. Part of that involved watching footage of that famous six-run victory, and also the reaction it sparked, both among the celebrating players and in the crowd.
Although he does not officially start in post until March as he awaits a visa, the former South Africa A and KwaZulu-Natal Inland coach is already relishing the prospect of creating more scenes like it.
“I was watching footage of that win against England and what struck me was just that absolute passion,” he told Herald Sport from his home in South Africa. “I was really impressed with the size of the crowd that day and how much it obviously meant to everyone when Scotland came through to win. And that’s something I’d love to tap into. Even following the release of my appointment the support I’ve had from Scottish people has been amazing. We want to make them proud of their cricket team. That’s the ultimate goal.”
That first-ever victory over England was just one of a number of highlights achieved under former coach Grant Bradburn, whose side also came agonisingly close to qualifying for this summer’s World Cup in England.
Burger will try to build on that growing momentum, with the possibility of Scotland becoming a full, Test-playing member also in his thoughts.
“When I was asked to interview for this job I really had to delve into Scottish cricket and my whole mind opened up to everything that Cricket Scotland have done over the past few years,” he added. “And that’s been incredible.
“Success can be defined in many ways. Obviously qualifying for a World Cup can be seen as being successful but, looking at what HAS been achieved and the vision of what Scottish cricket wants to become, is success in itself.
“There are no guarantees in life but success can also be measured in making people better and creating a system that allows you to leave a legacy. To qualify for a World Cup you’re going to need a lot of hard work and luck to go your way. For me, the bigger picture is achieving Test status. Doing that would be a massive feather in Scottish cricket’s cap.
“The bar has been raised pretty high and my greatest challenge now is to see how we can raise it even higher.”
Burger is honest enough to admit that this opportunity has come sooner in his coaching career than he had anticipated.
“In terms of an opportunity to work at international level, that’s something that I’ve really wanted to do. And to get it a little bit earlier than I had imagined is an absolute bonus.
“It’s come sooner than I thought but that doesn’t mean I’m not ready. I was hoping being involved in the national set-up in South Africa might have presented opportunities locally, but we live in a very diverse country and sometimes you have to be very patient to get opportunities like this.
“So when Cricket Scotland come knocking on your door at a relatively young age I’d have been very silly not to take up this challenge and opportunity to grow.”
His pledge to the cause extends to a willingness to put down permanent roots in Edinburgh.
“I’m making a 100 percent commitment to the job so I’m going to be based in Edinburgh for the next three years which is how long my contract is. I’m not saying I’m going to become fully Scottish! But living the life of a Scot will help give me a better idea of what needs to get done.”
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