Calum MacLeod poised to continue in his new role as opener

The former Warwickshire all-rounder was handed the key top order job for the first time in Monday's defeat to Durham.

MacLeod hit a quick-fire 16 with three crunching boundaries and bosses saw enough to persist with the experiment as they desperately seek the winning blend.

Coach Pete Steindl declared: "We know the first six-eight overs with the bat is an area where we need to improve and Calum gives us that opportunity.

"He went out with a lot of positive intent (against Durham], put away a couple of balls and got us on our way. His fielding is world class so he adds value there as well."

Meanwhile, Aussie all-rounder Luke Butterworth is finally ready to make his comeback after suffering a broken toe that kept him out of the last four matches.

Steindl must also decide whether to recall leading strike bowler Matty Parker, who was rested for the Durham clash.

However, experienced Grange batsman Neil McCallum, a PE teacher, is unavailable due to work commitments.

He provided one of the highlights of a disappointing campaign with a belligerent 53 in Sunday's 48-run defeat to Surrey Lions at the Citylets Grange.

That, however, was the Saltires' fifth defeat in a row in the competition and was followed the next day by the 80-run reverse against Durham, who were boosted by a century by Aberdeen-born former Saltire Kyle Coetzer.

The Scots have now completed half their CB40 campaign, six games, and have yet to record a victory.

The Saltires will go into T20 mode next weekend when they head south again for a one-off challenge match against Worcestershire.

SALTIRES SQUAD

Gordon Drummond (capt)

Fraser Watts

Calum MacLeod

Josh Davey

Richie Berrington

Luke Butterworth

Preston Mommsen

Calvin Burnett

Gregor Maiden (wkt)

Majid Haq

Gordon Goudie

Matty Parker

Ryan Flannigan