Smith's injury troubles are a pain for Scots

Published on Friday 3 July 2009 23:13

SIMON Smith's injury jinx struck again as Scotland clung on to their hopes of forcing an Intercontinental Cup win over Canada at Mannofield.

Smith, only picked after recovering from a broken thumb, will take no further part in the match after sustaining a shoulder injury during yesterday's warm-up. The Grange wicketkeeper is also almost certainly out of next week's ODIs against Canada.

Last night Smith admitted: "I'm absolutely gutted to be out again. I had an injection on the shoulder last week after a wear-and-tear injury but felt fine.

"Then I felt something go while we were having a five-a-side football warm-up before yesterday's play. The pain was pretty severe and I went up to the hospital where they put my arm in a sling.

"I have to undergo further tests and, although there is nothing broken, I am probably looking at ligament damage."

Smith was back from hospital in time to see Jan Stander help the Scots recover from their second batting collapse in as many days.

They had done well to force a first innings lead of 43 after claiming the last three Canadian wickets early in the day. But Scotland slumped to 99-7 with only debutant Ewan Chalmers showing any resolve for a battling 24. However, Stander and skipper Gordon Drummond added 69 with the former going on to top score on 64. The Stoneywood-Dyce player faced 127 balls, hitting four boundaries and two towering sixes.

When he was last out, the Scots had reached 199, leaving their rivals a target of 243 to win when play resumes.

Earlier, Calum MacLeod returned his best figures in a first-class innings as Scotland mopped up the Canadian tail to claim the first innings bonus points.

The Warwickshire paceman removed Umar Bhatti and Henry Osinde, both lbw, to finish with 4-66. Stander claimed the wicket of top scorer Rizwan Cheema, who edged one to stand-in keeper Watson for 35.