Cricket: Peter Steindl pens new Scotland deal and looks to build on progress

Published on Friday 10 February 2012 01:21

SCOTLAND’S head cricket coach, Peter Steindl, has agreed an extension to his contract which commits him to leading the national team until December 2014.

Cricket Scotland announced the new deal as the squad prepared to fly out from Glasgow Airport today, ahead of a seven-week tour of the United Arab Emirates and Sri Lanka.

It comes as recognition of the rebuilding work which the 41-year-old Australian has overseen since his appointment to the post in 2008. Following the retirements of a number of senior players, Steindl has been responsible for a significant overhaul of the national team’s personnel. In the last two years, his young and developing team have won 11 of their 15 one-day games against Associate sides, including nine wins from 13 ODIs. During that time, they have also been runners-up in the last World Cricket League Division 1 and Intercontinental Cup.

With an average age of just 24, he has managed the transition of a number of Scotland’s age group and academy players into the national side. Their potential was shown last year in securing four wins from four games in the Pepsi ICC World Cricket League Championship and in chasing a record 321 to defeat Ireland.

In a statement by Cricket Scotland, chief executive Roddy Smith stated: “We are delighted that Peter has agreed to a contract extension. Continuity is vital as we look to progress with a young side that Peter has developed into a cohesive and competitive unit. He has formed an excellent management team with captain Gordon Drummond and we all look forward to working together in the next few important years.”

Steindl said: “I am delighted to be given the opportunity by Cricket Scotland to continue working with the Scotland team.

“I have enjoyed the challenges that this position has brought. I am committed to working hard with my support staff, Gordon and the team to build upon the improvements we have made over the last two years.”

The Intercontinental Cup game against the UAE will take place between the 16 and 19 February. This will be Scotland’s third game in the 2011-2013 competition, following a rain affected draw with Netherlands and a ‘winning’ draw against Namibia.

Logged in as:

Comment here. Start typing your comment here:

Post comment

Please adhere to our Community guidelines

Your view

Please sign in to be able to comment on this story.