Build up Begins to Scotland and Namibia Clash

Both Scotland and Namibia have named their squads for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup tie this Thursday. Scotland have brought in a couple of the youngsters who have performed well for them in the U19 World Cup, and the A team. Namibia have also had to draft in some youngsters to replace injured players, so both teams will be below full strength, but will have some good new talent on show to make up for it. A good preview including interviews with the coaches can be found here on Cricket Europe.

This will be an interesting match to watch from Kenya's point of view. Despite the drawn match with Holland, where they took the first inning's points, our group is still wide open, and we could yet qualify for the final. If we do, we will face the winner of Group A, and the favourites for this are either Scotland or Ireland.

The outcome of this match will depend on the ability of the Scots to make the most of home team advantage, and how well the Namibians can adapt to a very different climate to what they are used to. It will be a good indication for the other teams in the tournament where Scotland and Namibia stand, and what they can expect when they play them. We shall watch the game unfold with interest. There is a poll and thread in the Kenya Cricket Forum in Caught Behind for those that want to have their say on the match.

Squads (from):

SCOTLAND

Craig Wright (cpt), Kasim Farid, Gordon Goudie, Paul Hoffmann, Douglas Lockhart, Ross Lyons, Neil McCallum, Dewald Nel, Colin Smith (wk), Ian Stanger, Ryan Watson, Fraser Watts.

NAMIBIA

Deon Kotze (cpt), Dawid Botha, Kola Burger, Sarel Burger, Gareth Cloete, Hugo Ludik (wkr), Henno Prinsloo, Nicolaas Scholtz, Gerrie Snyman, Stefan Swanepoel, Louis van der Westhuizen, Ian van Zyl, Tobie Verwey.

UMPIRES:

Niels Bagh & Charlie McElwee; match referee: David Jukes