Scotland A set for Denmark and Jersey double-headers

Scotland Men’s ‘A’ will continue their busy summer programme with four home fixtures against Denmark and Jersey later this month as Cricket Scotland gives another group of emerging players the opportunity to press their claims in the high-performance set-up.

Two separate 13-man squads have been named, with Denmark first up in back-to-back matches at Stirling and Dunfermline on August 19 and 20, before Jersey travel to Uddingston for two further encounters on August 25 and 26. 

The programme provides another chance for players performing strongly in Scottish domestic cricket to test themselves at a higher level, while also strengthening Scotland’s links with two fellow European nations.

Head of Performance Steve Snell believes the fixtures form an important part of the development pathway and offer players a valuable opportunity to make an impression.

“These fixtures are another excellent opportunity for players to gain experience within the high-performance environment,” said Snell.

“We’ve been impressed at the levels shown within the A squads this season and look forward to seeing the players involved over the next couple of weeks keep improving and stake their claims.” 

There is plenty of continuity between the two squads, with Hazrat Bilal, Cameron Brown, Daniel Da Costa, Ibrahim Faisal, Owen Gould, Ollie Jones, Olly Pillinger, Manu Saraswat, Safwan Ullah and Johnathan Van Zyl selected for both sets of fixtures.

Lloyd Brown, Zainullah Ihsan and Muhaymen Majeed are included for the Denmark matches, while Finlay Carter, Isaac Rahman and Lyle Robertson come into the squad for the Jersey double-header.  

The matches also underline Cricket Scotland’s commitment to supporting the wider European game. Denmark visited Scotland last year, while Scotland renewed their rivalry with Jersey during a visit to the island in the spring.

Snell added that maintaining those relationships is important as all three nations continue to develop.

“It is hugely important for Cricket Scotland to support the wider cause of European cricket and we are delighted to be playing fixtures against two sides that are consistently looking to improve and make an impact on the international stage.” 

With places in the senior Scotland set-up always the ultimate target, the four matches will give another group of ambitious players the platform to strengthen their cases.

Fixtures

*Wednesday, August 19:** Scotland ‘A’ v Denmark — Stirling
*Thursday, August 20:** Scotland ‘A’ v Denmark — Dunfermline
*Tuesday, August 25:** Scotland ‘A’ v Jersey — Uddingston
*Wednesday, August 26:** Scotland ‘A’ v Jersey — Uddingston 

Scotland ‘A’ squad v Denmark

* Hazrat Bilal (GHK)
* Cameron Brown (Arbroath United)
* Lloyd Brown (Heriot’s)
* Daniel Da Costa (Carlton)
* Ibrahim Faisal (Ferguslie)
* Owen Gould (Grange)
* Zainullah Ihsan (GHK)
* Ollie Jones (Ayr)
* Muhaymen Majeed (Renfrew)
* Olly Pillinger (Watsonian)
* Manu Saraswat (Forfarshire)
* Safwan Ullah (Edinburgh South)
* Johnathan Van Zyl (RH Corstorphine)  

Scotland ‘A’ squad v Jersey

* Hazrat Bilal (GHK)
* Cameron Brown (Arbroath United)
* Finlay Carter (Whitstable)
* Daniel Da Costa (Carlton)
* Ibrahim Faisal (Ferguslie)
* Owen Gould (Grange)
* Ollie Jones (Ayr)
* Olly Pillinger (Watsonian)
* Isaac Rahman (Clydesdale)
* Lyle Robertson (Falkland)
* Manu Saraswat (Forfarshire)
* Safwan Ullah (Edinburgh South)
* Johnathan Van Zyl (RH Corstorphine)