Cricket: Wardlaw set for Scotland fast-track

YORKSHIRE pace bowler Ian Wardlaw looks set to be fast-tracked straight into Scotland’s crucial World Cup qualifying double header against Afghanistan.

The 27 year-old is one of six county-based players cleared to join the Saltires under the ICC’s new parentage rule.

And the Headingley-based bowler has already made an ­impact during Scotland’s opening nets sessions of the winter.

Coach Pete Steindl said: “Ian has a bit more pace than anything we have, so he could ­certainly add something to our attack. He has shown a great desire to represent Scotland – as have all the new guys.”

Wardlaw was unavailable for Scotland’s tour to South ­Africa in October when Richard Coughtrie (Gloucestershire), Matt Machan (Sussex), David Murphy (Northants) and Rob Taylor (Leicestershire) featured.

Steindl has yet to run the rule over former Warwickshire all-rounder Neil Carter, who is currently in his native South Africa.

Carter, though, is available along with the other new recruits for the March jousts with Afghanistan in Sharjah and an I-Cup clash against the same opponents in Abu Dhabi.

The squad will be announced early next month.