McCallum delighted by key innings

NEIL McCallum has already scored six centuries for Scotland but said yesterday's 27 not-out meant just as much.

The Grange batsman held his nerve to guide the Saltires to a stunning four-wicket win against Leicestershire.

Despite a brilliant performance in the field and half-centuries from George Bailey and Richie Berrington, McCallum still had work to do when he came to the middle with the total on 158-4.

He showed his intentions by hoisting Australian paceman Andrew McDonald over the long-on rope.

However, the Saltires fell behind the rate and looked to have lost their way when they still needed 16 from the final seven deliveries of the match.

However, McCallum grabbed back the initiative when he hoisted a majestic six over mid-wicket off former England star Matthew Hoggard.

It meant ten runs were required from the final over and further boundaries from Majid Haq and McCallum completed the job with two balls to spare.

McCallum said: "This is a really special win for all the guys. We came into this match with no-one giving us much of a chance but we always believed in ourselves.

"Even with 19 needed from the last two overs I thought it could be done and although Hoggard kept things tight I managed to get a good connection for the six and after that the win was on. I know I have scored tons for my country but I guess this innings is one of my most important.

"Majid gave me great support but really the victory was set up by the way we bowled and fielded and then by the start our top order guys gave us."

Saltires coach Pete Steindl said: "I'm really happy with the performance. We wanted to show that we can be a battling side and the guys delivered what we wanted. It was hard at the end but they kept their cool and I always felt if Neil was there we had an excellent chance."

• Ian Bell's fourth Clydesdale Bank 40 half-century of the season maintained Warwickshire's 100 per cent record with a convincing six-wicket victory over Kent at Edgbaston. The England batsman contributed 55 from 71 balls before the Group C leaders – unbeaten in 40-over cricket since August 2008 – wrapped up their fifth straight win in the competition.