Gordon Drummond upbeat after T20 setbacks

SALTIRES skipper Gordon Drummond is convinced his side can put their T20 defeats behind them to step up their bid for World Cup qualification.

Drummond’s men suffered heavy back-to-back defeats as Afghanistan claimed the psychological advantage ahead of two crucial 50-over encounters.

The sides meet again at the Sharjah Stadium today and Friday and two wins will put the Saltires in pole position to reach the 2015 World Cup. Drummond said: “The T20 results were disappointing but we have 
always stressed the importance of the next two matches.

“I think what we have in this group is more suited to 50-over cricket and we are certainly not dispirited.”

Scotland lost Sunday’s T20 opener after a dismal batting display before the bowlers carried the can for Monday’s defeat. Drummond added: “We know what we have to do and that is to put all aspects of our game together at the same time. The guys have to be 100 per cent focused for all 50 overs of each innings. We know these games can take us within touching distance of the World Cup.”

The Scots are currently second in the eight-team table from which two will automatically qualify for the 2015 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Two victories would take them top of the table with four games remaining against Kenya and current leaders Ireland. However, two defeats would see Afghanistan go joint second and leave Scotland’s qualification chances in peril. Middlesex all-rounder Josh Davey, who sat out the T20s, will almost certainly come into the side while there could also be a place for Leicestershire’s Rob Taylor.