Cricket: Run-shy Watson will lead Scots by example

Published on Friday 10 April 2009 09:58

SCOTLAND captain Ryan Watson is backing himself to end his scoring drought and ensure his side makes it safely through to the 2011 Cricket World Cup.

The Saltires begin the decisive Super Eight phase of the qualifying competition tomorrow in Johannesburg against the Netherlands, knowing at least three wins from four are likely to be required to secure their target of a top-four finish.

With just two points carried onward from the first phase – leaving the Scots in sixth position – Watson admits that better performances are required, especially from himself.

Having averaged just eight runs so far, his personal struggles have been a major factor but he believes he is capable of hitting his way out of the slump.

"The rub of the green hasn't been there for myself the whole tournament," he said today.

"I've nicked a lot. Hopefully it will click eventually. I realise how important I am for the team at the top of the order. I'm not hiding or making excuses. If I get off to a good start, we tend to win games of cricket. So I have to go out to make runs. But it's not unusual for anyone at the top of the order, facing the new ball, that they go through spells where you nick off. And then you come good and hopefully cash in.

"I know there are runs in me. I've done it before at this level and I'm confident I can do it again."

The Scots received a boost last night when all-rounder Craig Wright was passed fit after hobbling off in Wednesday's 148-run loss to the Canadians. And with the Netherlands, coached by former Saltires chief Peter Drinnen, certain to provide a stern examination, Watson is candid about the task at hand.

"The scenario is quite simple now," he said. "We have to go and win four games of cricket. From our perspective, we are an underdog now to make the top four. So maybe that will play in our favour and we can go out and do the business.

"It is vital. The only good thing for us is that no-one has come out of the other group with six points in the bank. So we're only one win behind them. If we get a couple of wins against those teams, suddenly we're back in the mix. Ireland is the only team that's out and out in front."