Teenager Brad Wheal set for scotland cap

Brad Wheal, playing for a Cricket Scotland Development XI, bowls to the MCC'st Evan Flowers. Picture: Donald MacLeod

The 19-year-old Hampshire player was last night named in a 15-man squad for the four-day clash as well as 50-over and T20 matches against the same opponents.

South African-born Wheal, who qualifies through his Scottish mother, impressed with a five-wicket haul for a Scotland Development side against MCC last August and has been fast-tracked into the senior side.

Wheal could even stake a claim for inclusion in  Scotland’s T20 World Cup squad in March.

Director of Cricket Andy  Tennant said: “Brad is a player who excites us quite a bit and we’re keen to see how he does at this level. Everyone going to Hong Kong has to consider themselves in contention for the T20 World Cup.”

Matt Machan of Sussex returns to the squad after missing most of the domestic season to cement his county position but Durham’s Gavin Main is unavailable due to playing commitments in New Zealand and Glamorgan’s Ruaidhri Smith has university exams.

Scotland coach Grant Bradburn said: “Hong Kong are going to be tough opponents in all formats especially on home soil.

“We know them well and respect them as a strong fellow associate nation. But our focus as a squad is on continuing to show a growing strength in our performances.”

The I-Cup clash from 21-24 January at Mission Road will be the first-ever First Class  fixture to take place in Hong Kong and it is a must-win match for the Scots who  languish second bottom in the eight-team table.

The sides meet again on 26 and 28 January in two World Cricket League fixtures – also the first ODIs to be played in Hong Kong – before Scotland’s tour ends with a T20 double header on 30 and 31 January.