Cricket: Saltires without Ali Evans after Derbyshire call

Evans has played in Scotland’s opening four CB40 fixtures on loan from the county.

However, Derbyshire have included the tall pace bowler in their squad to take on Warwickshire.

If he fails to make the starting line-up Evans could join the Saltires in time for the second match of their Bank Holiday double header against Surrey tomorrow.

Coach Pete Steindl said: “It’s good news for Ali that he is in Derbyshire’s plans and we always knew this was a possibility. If he doesn’t play for them on Monday he could join us for our game against Surrey on Tuesday.

“We have decided not to replace him.”

The decision to travel south with a 12-man squad means the Scots are confident all-rounder Richie Berrington will shake-off the effects of the chest infection which caused him to miss Greenock’s league fixture at the weekend.

However, the absence of Evans means Steindl will be forced to shuffle his pack for the first time this season with either Gordon Drummond or Josh Davey likely to spearhead the attack with Matty Parker.

With the bowling attack reduced in numbers, it seems likely that leg-spinner Moneeb Iqbal will come in for his first appearance of the season.

Steindl must also decide whether to include Warwickshire youngster Freddie Coleman for only his second CB40 start two years after making his debut.

The Saltires are on a double revenge mission on their trip to the south following heavy defeats to both Hampshire and Surrey last month.

They have never won at either the Rose Bowl or the Oval and are bidding to add to their one win of the campaign to date against Notts.

Saltires squad (v Hampshire today and Surrey tomorrow): G Drummond capt, C MacLeod, J Davey, R Flannigan, J Symes, R Berrington, P Mommsen, C Wallace, M Haq, M Parker, M Iqbal, F Coleman.