Cricket: Saltires urged to rally in Sharjah

By WILLIAM DICK
Published on 08/03/2013 01:26

DEFIANT Gordon Drummond last night rallied his shell-shocked Saltires and told them they can come back from the dead against Afghanistan – just like they did three years ago.

The Scots have been written off in some quarters ahead of today’s World Cup qualifier following Wednesday’s seven-wicket trouncing.

They need victory to stay ahead of the Afghans in the eight-team table, from which two will automatically qualify for the 2015 global tournament.

Drummond, who must lift his side for the Sharjah re-match, will remind them that they rose from the ashes of an even 
heavier defeat against today’s opponents to beat them in 2010.

The skipper said: “We know how important a game this is, and Afghanistan obviously have their tails up, but it’s a match that we can win.

“Wednesday was a day when everything went wrong for us and it was a sore one to take.

“Having said that, their guys batted really well and sometimes you have to put your hands up and give credit where it is due.

“But we’ve had a team meeting today and we’ve discussed the games at Ayr, when we were in a similar position.

“We lost by nine wickets one day and came back to bowl them out for 120 the next day. We’ve reminded the guys that these things happen in cricket.

“We will take heart from that and look for a similar turnaround tomorrow.

“Afghanistan are a real quality outfit, particularly in what is their own back yard, but we know we are capable of winning. We are not going to lie down to them and will fight all the way.”

Coach Pete Steindl will make changes for today’s revenge 
mission and Josh Davey, who took ODI record figures of 5-9 in the win at Ayr three years ago, looks sure to start.

There could also be a place for Leicestershire’s left-handed all-rounder, Rob Taylor.

Meanwhile, the holders, Edinburgh University, will tonight bid to retain the Cricket Media Super Sixes.

But the students face a tough semi-final against an Eastern Knights outfit which earlier shocked Watsonians in the group stages.

The winners will face either Grange or indoor specialists Carlton, who are bidding to win the title for the fifth time in 11 years.