Youngsters will get their chance to shine for Scots
Published:
JAN Stander has been hit for six by the quality of the new wave of Scottish cricketers.
The Stoneywood-Dyce skipper was picked by Scotland for the four-day international against Canada which started at Mannofield today.
Mounting injuries and withdrawals for the Intercontinental Cup tie have presented a number of young players with the chance to stake a claim for a regular starting berth.
Stander said: “The youngsters who are coming through now are a lot better prepared than those three years ago.
“This is because they are now exposed to a lot more cricket.
“The infrastructure of the game in this country has improved an awful lot.”
Names that may not be familiar to Scottish cricket fans will be desperate to make an impression against the Canadians.
Stander, 27, likes what he has seen from this next generation of talent.
“It’s exciting times because we’re entering a new era for Scottish cricket,” he said.
“Callum MacLeod is a very good young prospect, that is why he is contracted to Warwickshire.
“And Moneeb Iqbal is a very exciting young leg spinner.
“In four-day cricket, leg spinners can be very dangerous, and I am sure he will do very well for us against the Canadians.
“Richie Berrington is another really good young batsmen with a lot of potential.
“Majid Haq has shown he can be brilliant in Twenty20, now it is up to him to show he can do it at a four-day international.
“It’s exciting times and will be a really good experience for all of us.
“Captain Gavin Hamilton has made it quite clear he is looking for people who can stand up and do a job.”
South-African-born Stander is also looking forward to stepping out in front of the Aberdeen fans.
He said: “Playing at Mannofield is obviously of great benefit to me.
“I have played there many times and am very familiar with the pitch.
“It also means I don’t have to travel very far for the match.
“It can be difficult having to travel to Edinburgh then playing a game of cricket.”
Entry is free, with sessions running from 11am to 1pm, 1.45pm until 4pm and 4.45pm to 6pm.
