MacLeod in club versus country collision

Published on Tuesday 14 October 2008 23:30

WARWICKSHIRE cricketer Calum MacLeod last night set his sights on thwarting his friends on the Scottish Saltires team.

MacLeod is on a collision course with his country after the draw for next season's Friends Provident Trophy placed the Saltires in the same group as the Bears.

The 19-year-old fast bowler, who was last week offered a new two-year deal at Edgbaston, said: "It would be fantastic to come up here and play for Warwickshire in front of the Grange crowd.

"I broke into the county one-day side at the end of last season and my aim is to establish myself further next year.

"If I have to take wickets against Scotland to achieve my objectives that's the way it will have to be."

MacLeod made his Saltires debut against Durham in last season's tournament and also lined-up against Yorkshire as Warwickshire released the young Scot to allow him top-flight experience.

However, by the end of the season he had made two Pro40 appearances for the Bears' first team.

The draw will also see the Saltires come up against their former overseas star Yasir Arafat, now of Kent.

Ryan Watson's side face further lengthy away trips to Middlesex and Somerset.

Meanwhile, ICC officials last night confirmed that the qualifying tournament for the 2011 World Cup will be staged in South Africa in April and not in Dubai as originally planned.

FRIENDS PROVIDENT TROPHY 2009 DRAW Group B: Scottish Saltires, Warwickshire Bears, Kent Spitfires, Somerset Sabres, Middlesex Crusaders.